Tuesday 27 May 2025

The Allan Labor Government is strengthening and preserving habitats for native wildlife while protecting Victoria’s iconic urban rivers and creeks through a further $2 million in the Green Links Grants Program.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that Mitchell Shire Council has received $136,600 towards their project that will care for Kilmore Creek.

This project will deliver a revitalised waterway which serves as a cherished gathering place for a rapidly growing community but also ensures the protection of vital habitats for native species, including near threatened platypus and the critically endangered Dianella amoena. This project will safeguard and restore diverse indigenous flore and fauna, creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits all.

In partnership with Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Australian Platypus Conservancy this project builds on previous work undertaken by council and CMA.

The new round of grants will support 10 projects and target over 70 hectares of land to improve the habitats for threatened native wildlife including the powerful owl and growling grass frog across our cities and towns. 

They will also create more environmental corridors and allow 1,800 native plants to flourish in populated urban areas, providing more green spaces for the communities to enjoy. 

Waterways and parklands play an important role in supporting community wellbeing by providing safe, natural places for people to enjoy, and many of these projects will encourage communities to volunteer and support local projects to improve habitat and water quality, such as tree planting.

The funding builds on more than $6 million provided to 23 projects through the first round of the Green Links Grants in 2024, which has supported the revegetation of more than 200 hectares of land across the Yarra, Maribyrnong, Werribee, and Barwon River catchments.

For more information on the Green Links Grants Program visit water.vic.gov.au/grants/green-links-grants. 

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“It is fantastic to support our dedicated community groups and volunteers, who help to ensure our waterways keep thriving.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Gayle Tierney 

“Our urban waterways are important to our communities’ health and wellbeing, along with providing vital habitat for native wildlife.”  

“Green Links grants are empowering local communities to protect their local waterways and create greener open spaces in urban areas for more locals to enjoy.”