Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is encouraging local communities to continue playing a big part in the Government’s mission to plant 20 million trees by 2020.

Mr Taylor said a third round of funding under the 20 Million Trees Program was now available for grants of between $20,000 and $100,000.

“This is a continuation of a fantastic program for tree planting projects that helps native flora and fauna, and engages local communities,” Mr Taylor said.

“Hume has done well under this program, with five projects already approved to plant more than 92,000 trees,” Mr Taylor said.

“I’ve seen the great work by community groups in the Crookwell area who through Landcare succeeded in obtaining a 20 Million Trees grant to plant 25,000 trees on public and private land.

“Last year I was excited to be able to help the Camden community revegetate part of the Nepean River Habitat Corridor at Rotary Cowpasture Reserve with local native species.

“It was an amazing experience to be among hundreds of people, many of them Scouts and Girl Guides, helping to improve the local environment and the amenity of this very popular and beautiful recreational area.”

“Green spaces connect communities to the environment and improve the liveability of our towns and cities.

“I encourage Hume residents, organisations and community groups to apply for projects that will provide valuable benefits to the environment and for our local community.”

Almost $43 million has already been invested in the 20 Million Trees Program, with 166 projects approved to plant more than 13.4 million trees (as at 30 April 2017).

Guidelines for Round 3 of the 20 Million Trees program are now available and applications close on 15 August 2017. Visit www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

The Australian Government has committed $70 million over six years to the 20 Million Trees Program, with funding from 2014-15.

The initiative is an important part of the Government’s National Landcare Programme and has four strategic objectives:

• 20 million trees – 20 million trees and associated understorey planted by 2020.
• Environmental conservation – support local environmental outcomes by improving the extent, connectivity and condition of native vegetation that supports native species
• Community engagement – work cooperatively with the community
• Carbon reduction – contribute to Australia reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.