By Georgia Parsonson
Brisbane City Council has rewarded more than $300,000 in grants to community groups and not-for-profit organisations to install solar panels and purchase garden tools.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has recognised the accomplishments of 50 community groups through this year’s Lord Mayor’s 2020-2021 Community Sustainability and Environmental Grants program.
“Our community clubs and sporting organisations do fantastic things for the people of Brisbane, and these grants will ensure they can also make an impact on the environment and improve their own sustainability,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Whether it’s installing solar panels to reduce energy consumption, restoring natural habitat or purchasing new gardening gear, this funding supports a diverse range of groups through three sections – environmental, sustainability and cultivating community gardens grants.”
According to Cr Schrinner, the groups that have been rewarded are generally volunteer-based, organised by locals passionate about improving and creating a more sustainable future for Brisbane.
“As part of this grants round, we are proud to support 24 community-driven projects with $213,000 in environmental grants. These projects will support clean and green initiatives, including planting native flora and weed control; protecting native flora and fauna; and conserving native bushlands, wetlands and ecosystems.
“A further ten sustainability grants totalling more than $81,500 will go to projects that help reduce energy consumption, improve energy performance and gain financial and environmental benefits.
“To enhance our beautiful pockets of shared community space, the Community Gardens Grant will award 16 projects a slice of almost $36,000.”
The Chairman of the Brisbane Netball Association, Scott Christie, said the Sustainability Grant would allow them to cut costs and improve the organisation’s carbon footprint.
“Installation of the new lighting system will allow us to provide a brighter, clearer environment for all our players and members,” Mr Christie said.
“By using new LEDs, we will reduce our kilowatt usage by approximately 9000 and save an estimated $2300 in energy costs every year, which is quite significant for a local association.”
Meanwhile, the Balaangala Community Group received a Cultivating Community Gardens Grant. Colin Peile, a member of the organisation, said the funding would go towards educating the community about the truth of their shared history.
“This grant will help our community continue to bring together First Nations and non-First Nations people to learn with and from one another through education and storytelling,” Mr Peile said.
“I’m delighted to accept this on behalf of our members, the Elders and community members who supported the development of the timeline project and who work incredibly hard to create a culturally safe place for the community.”
For more information regarding the next round of grants, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.