Central’s environmental projects and initiatives can access more support this year as an Otago Regional Council (ORC) fund has had a boost by almost 60 per cent. 

ORC Environment Community Otago (ECO) Fund has increased to $900,000, meaning more groups will be able to take advantage of the funding in the upcoming round.

This increase includes a ‘large scale biodiversity fund’ targeting projects in a range of $50,000-$150,000, ORC environmental implementation manager Libby Caldwell said.

The fund supports community-led projects around the region that protect, enhance and promote Otago’s environment and applications for this year’s fund, which will open on March 1. 

Libby said the increased funding reflected the fact the fund has been oversubscribed in recent years.

“We’re definitely seeing greater interest in community-led projects around Otago and want to foster more of these partnerships which, so positively, enhance the environment,” she said.

ORC councillor and ECO Fund chair Alan Somerville said the Eco Fund provides excellent value to Otago communities and the environment.

“Communities know what is most important in their own areas, and money from the Eco Fund can enable them to turn their ideas into action,” he said. 

Alan said the application criteria is broad and covers biodiversity, biosecurity, and improving water quality.

“Last year's funding round included projects to establish a trap library at Taieri Mouth, removal of lupins in the Lindis Pass, plants for riparian planting in South Otago and rabbit fencing at Moeraki and Wānaka,” he said.

The fund can also cover up to 50 per cent of wages costs for project coordinators.

The $900,00 is allocated to types of different initiatives; $300,000 for ECO Fund general grants, $100,000 for incentives targeted at sustained rabbit management, $50,000 for incentives targeted at water quality, $100,00 for incentives targeted at biodiversity enhancement on protected private land, $50,000 for incentives targeted at native planting following pest control and $300,000 for large scale biodiversity grants.

Since the ECO Fund’s inception in 2018, 133 projects have received grants, totalling $1.71 million, Libby said.

The new large scale biodiversity grant criteria includes that the project must address biodiversity outcomes, in the range of $50,000 and $150,000 and be completed by June 2025.

Applications are open for a month and close in early April, with successful applicants informed in May.

Find information and application details for the Eco Fund here.

Contact the ECO Fund team by emailing [email protected] or calling 0800 474 082.