23 May 2018 Mansfield Courier, Mansfield VIC (General News) NORTHERN Victorias Landcare groups can now access grants of up to $20,000 after an announcement from Labor Upper House member Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria). The grants are available to Landcare, Friends of Coastcare and other environment volunteer groups to support programs that protect and restore the land and environment. These grants are supporting the community and volunteer groups in Northern Victoria that give back to the environment, Ms Symes said. Since it started more than 30 years ago, Landcare has made a vital contribution to Northern Victorias environment and Labor is helping them continue to deliver this important work. Start-up grants of $500 are also available for new and existing groups to help with operating costs, and provide a base for Landcare and community-based natural resource management in Northern Victoria. The funding will be delivered through Victorias 10 catchment management authorities, who will coordinate applications from Landcare and other environmental volunteer groups and networks. For more information on the grants go to environment.vic.gov.au/grants.