Federal Member for Hume has invited interested local land managers, conservation groups, schools, councils and other organisations to apply for funding in Round One of the 20 Million Trees Programme.

Mr Taylor said Federal Government grants were available for between $20,000 and $100,000 with conditions being applied regarding timeframes, monitoring and reporting, risk assessment and applicant eligibility.

He said Round One would close on Thursday 30 October 2014 at 2pm.

“The key goal is to plant 20 million trees by 2020. This is a national undertaking to re-establish green corridors on both public and private land. It’s hands-on, local community action to help the environment and a great way for community groups to work together,” Mr Taylor said.

“I strongly encourage potential applicants to look carefully at the guidelines published on the internet http://www.nrm.gov.au/national/20-million-trees before applying. Projects with a budget of $60,000 or greater must be completed within three years (to 2016/17) and projects with a budget of less than $60,000 must be completed with 18 months. All projects have to start this current financial year.

“Projects that provide financial or in kind contributions will be highly regarded. There are some guidelines on the required potential height of planted trees and shrubs. Plantings should consist of naturally occurring species and projects that facilitate local seed collection will also be highly regarded. Plantings need to be maintained for at least 10 years to ensure environmental and carbon abatement benefits are maximised.

“The Government has committed $50 million over four years to the 20 Million Trees Programme and I hope we get a fantastic response from communities across Hume to this great initiative.”