Applications for this year’s Forest Products Commission (FPC) community support program opened on February 4, with the Peel region encouraged to get involved
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The program, now in its second year, has been increased for 2019 from a total funding pool of $20,000 last year to now $30,000 to help more regional organisations that are active in regional areas connect with the forestry industry.
Grants of up to $2,000 will be available to community groups, not-for-profits and sporting clubs all across WA.
A range of groups benefited from the first round of the FPC program, including scouts, volunteer firefighters, schools, historical societies and a forest restoration group.
Last year's grant round went towards a variety of worthy community resources, including the purchase of fire masks to increase the safety of volunteer firefighters in Collie, the purchase of bicycles for children at East Manjimup Primary School and restoring a 1971 fire tanker to preserve the history of the local forest industry and bush fire brigades in Bridgetown.
Forestry Minister Dave Kelly said the state government were committed to ensuring Western Australians enjoy the benefits of healthy forests in the future.
“The Forest Products Commission contributes close to $100 million each year to regional communities and is committed to supporting initiatives which provide lasting benefits to regional areas,” he said.
“An increase to this community support program will assist more local groups who are working to make their communities better places to live.
“Last year, we saw some fantastic projects funded through the program, including a popular family day where about 150 children enjoyed planting tuart seeds, which they will nurture until they can be used to restore an area of Ludlow Tuart Forest.
“The McGowan government is committed to balancing a sustainable forestry industry with the preservation of our environment.”
Preference is given to applications that contribute the greatest benefit to regional communities, encourage recreation in state forests or educate the community about the benefits of forestry and the timber industry.
Applications close on March 6, 2019. For more information, visit www.fpc.wa.gov.au.
