Individual Peninsula Residents Eligible for Pest Control Grants

A Coromandel conservation group is urging peninsula residents to take advantage of a new funding option to support individuals working independently on animal and plant pest control on their own properties.

The Upper Coromandel Landcare Association (UCLA) is campaigning to draw attention to recent changes to Waikato Regional Council’s small-scale community initiatives fund, which is part of the council’s natural heritage programme. The council’s funding policy now includes one-off grants for individuals, in addition to organised community groups. Clarification of funding policy also means grants are available for work on uncovenanted, as well as covenanted properties.

The regional council fund supports purchase of materials such as traps and bait stations. Grants are capped at $5,000 per application, of which up to $1,000 may be for contracted services.

UCLA spokeperson Reihana Robinson, who advocated as representative on WRC’s Coromandel Catchment committee for the changes to the council’s funding policy, said the funding option for individuals on uncovenanted land is a big step forward for protecting vast additional areas of bush across the peninsula.

“Many Coromandel residents have been working independently, off their own bat and on their own time and at their own expense, to protect and enhance our delicate ecosystems and natural environment. These true conservationists deserve the same financial support from council that is afforded to groups and incorporated societies,” Robinson said.

“As for extending grants to work on uncovenanted properties, most stoats and rats I’ve met don’t stop to check the LIM report of a bush block before killing a nestling. All our bush heritage deserves the same protection and support.”

Applications are currently being accepted by WRC until March 21. The application form is downloadable from the regional council web site or can be requested from Dave Byers at WRC in Hamilton.

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