Local councils around Australia have seized the Bushcare challenge, more than doubling the amount of Natural Heritage Trust funds being spent on replanting and rehabilitating native bushland in 1999-2000. Dr Sharman Stone, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment and Heritage, said more and more local councils were combining practical revegetation activities with innovative incentive schemes such as rate rebates and fencing grants, Land for Wildlife projects and community based devolved grants schemes.
Local councils stand at the coalface of environmental management.
The Federal Government is keen to continue to support council efforts to replant and restore native bush, with applications now being called for 2000-2001 Natural Heritage Trust funding. Further advice is also available by contacting Environmental Resource Officers, located in state based municipal associations. Applications close 25 February 2000. Examples of local government Bushcare projects are attached .