Forestry Minister Dave Kelly has today announced the 20 successful applicants of the Forest Products Commission's (FPC) expanded Community Support Program.
The expanded program generated interest from a range of new groups, with 30 per cent more applications received compared with the first round in 2018.
Groups that improved forest accessibility for people with disability received two grants. This will help see all Western Australians have the opportunity to enjoy WA's beautiful forests.
One grant recipient, Breaking the Boundaries Inc., will use the grant to create a storage facility for adaptive off-road cycles and wheelchairs. A one-stop shop will be created that people with mobility limitations can visit to use adaptive off-road cycles, off-road wheelchairs and mobility aids to access public trails.
The grants vary from $500 to $2,000 and will be used to support the implementation of a range of services in regional areas including education, disability access, recreation and fire protection.
FPC Community Support Program grant recipients:
Allanson Primary School - $1,000 to regenerate cleared land at the school.
Albany Sculpture Drive - $1,500 to resurface the drive.
Biochar Network of Western Australia Inc. - $2,000 to produce a video highlighting the benefits of biochar.
Boyanup Primary School - $1,000 to grow native trees and shrubs for the school grounds.
Break the Boundary Inc. - $2,000 for construction of a storage facility for bikes/riding aides for mobility challenged forest users.
Bridgetown Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade - $2,000 to construct a wash down bay for use by local firefighting agencies.
Busselton Woodturners Group - $2,000 for the purchase of a horizontal band saw.
Donnybrook Men's Shed - $2,000 for the purchase of a Woodfast bandsaw resaw sawmill.
Forestry Cricket Club - $1,200 for the purchase of new uniforms.
Golden Valley Tree Park Inc. - $1,300 to reprint the visitor brochure.
Ironstone Adventure Riding Club - $2,000 to assist with the running of the 2019 Capel 200 Trail Bike Rally.
Manjimup Historical Society - $2,000 to run the 2019 Bridge Challenge.
Margaret River Primary School P&C - $1,000 to create a nature playground.
Mt. Barker Wildflower Photo Competition Committee - $500 to hold a photo competition.
Riding for the Disabled WA - $1,500 for the replacement of obsolete or old safety equipment.
Shire of Kojonup - $1,000 for a World Environment Day event for local school children.
Southern Forests Photography Club - $1,647 to hold a photo competition.
St. Joseph's School - $1,000 to help develop two nature play areas.
Western Australian Sleddog Sports Association - $2,000 to sponsor the club's 2019 race and event season.
Wilga Progress Association Inc. - $1,450 for an equestrian endurance ride through Wilga and Woop Woop.
As stated by Forestry Minister Dave Kelly:
"The McGowan Government is focused on balancing a sustainable forestry industry and strong regional communities with the preservation of our environment.
"The grants will help ensure that all Western Australians can experience the benefits of forestry and healthy forests.
"The program has now injected a total of $50,000 into 33 community organisations across regional Western Australia since it began in 2018."
