Today, the ACT Greens have announced an election initiative to future-proof funding to environmental volunteers, build biodiversity in our suburbs, and launch a sustainability hub for environmental champions in Canberra.
"Over 100 environmental volunteer groups in the ACT contribute 300,000 hours in conservation work annually, or the equivalent of $22 million. That means securing the viability of these groups is one of the best investments we can make," said Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens, Rebecca Vassarotti.
"Community-led environmental volunteers are the lifeblood of the ACT's efforts to protect, restore and bolster our beautiful environment.
"As our native habitats are torn up by climate change and construction on the edges of the city, the precious wildlife that rely on these habitats are being pushed towards extinction. But as a community we can turn that around.
"Now more than ever, we need to give certainty to our environmental volunteers and recognise the crucial role they play in battling the environmental impacts of the climate crisis."
The ACT Greens will:
- Increase and secure long-term funding for environment groups to do their vital work.
- Increase funding for the ACT's Environmental Grants program and create a larger, long-term grant stream, enabling more ambitious and long-term conservation projects.
- Open a first of its kind Sustainability Hub, which will provide a purpose-built and affordable home for many community organisations, including local environmental champions, educators, artists and enterprises.
- Establish a new "Gardens for Wildlife" program that will support Canberrans to create wildlife friendly gardens.
- Create an "Adopt a Patch" program to allow local neighbourhoods to adopt their local laneway, verges or similar public spaces to spruce them up as native habitat.
- Establish a new native plant nursery to provide stock for restoration projects, new employment, and free plants to Canberrans.
"We will stop these groups from having to operate from hand to mouth, year on year, and instead recognise the vital services they provide to the community, the government and the environment we all share," Ms Vassarotti said.
ACT Greens Candidate for Ginninderra, Adele Sinclair said environmental volunteers are the bedrock of conservation work in the ACT.
"As a committed environmental volunteer myself, our announcement today makes me proud to be a part of the ACT Greens," said Ms Sinclair.
"I know the massive impact environmental volunteers can have in our community, from obvious things like weeding, planting trees and caring for injured wildlife, to researching and advocating for changes to Government policies and processes.
"Often, it is small-scale, volunteer-led effort that has a big impact on the ability of the Government to lead new initiatives to protect native species.
"This work will be complemented by our proposed Sustainability Hub, which will support community organisations to help Canberrans choose sustainable habits and contribute to climate action.
"Whether it's at a small level in your back garden or on a bigger level in a local reserve, community-led conservation is integral to maintaining a healthy environment and providing habitat for native wildlife."
