Swan Alcoa Landcare Program delivers for the environment

Twenty two community groups gathered at a special breakfast by the Swan River this morning for the annual Swan Alcoa Landcare Program (SALP) Funding Ceremony. The event announced a further $330,000 of on-ground funding for 60 environmental projects throughout the Perth region.

SALP is a joint initiative of Alcoa Australia, the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (supported by Burswood Park Board), and Perth NRM. The program was established to provide a simple process for community groups to access funding for Swan Canning catchment restoration works.

Since its inception in 1998, SALP has provided more than $9 million in funding to community groups, who in turn have delivered more than 1400 projects, ranging from weeding and planting to feral animal control and the creation of wildlife habitat.

Alcoa Australia Corporate Affairs Director Jodie Read praised the community groups and volunteers who have made SALP a success for more than two decades.

“Sustainability is a big part of who we are at Alcoa and why we support programs like this,” Ms Read said. “Just as in previous years, the projects supported in 2020 will create value, enhance local communities and reduce environmental impacts. SALP is evidence of what can be achieved with a little bit of corporate support and a big dose of community spirit, volunteering and hard work.”

Dr Fran Stanley, Executive Director Conservation and Ecosystem Management at the Parks and Wildlife Service, highlighted the cumulative impact of this long-standing funding program.

“Community groups have removed weeds from over 6,000 hectares and put over 2.7 million plants into the ground, restoring once degraded land into ecologically functioning habitats,” Dr Stanley said.

SALP provides community groups with access to funds that provide stability to projects, making it possible to attract further funding from businesses, organisations and local governments. This support has added a further $7.3 million in value to these community-led environmental projects since 1998.

Perth NRM Chief Executive Officer Paul Bodlovich noted the value of SALP far exceeded the cash disbursements made each year. “We’re proud of our involvement with SALP because it recognises the efforts of the tireless groups who have contributed more than 200,000 hours of volunteer work on the ground in order to protect and preserve our natural assets for their communities.”

SALP’s 2021 funding round opens 25 February and closes on 15 May 2020.

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2021 FUNDING ROUND.

For more information on the successful SALP grant recipients, their projects and the SALP program, CLICK HERE.

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