State Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean MP, is encouraging local environmental research organisations and groups to seek grants of up to $150,000 from a total $1 million offered in the first round of Environmental Trust funding available in 2013.
A key objective of the Environmental Research Program is to generate new knowledge or information to help find local solutions to environmental problems.
The program also aims to unearth new methods of operation for NSW industries that are less harmful to the environment and to assess environmental degradation.
Expressions of interest can be made now and must be forwarded to the Environmental Trust by 15 February when select projects will then be invited to apply for grants through this year's Environmental Research Program stream.
According to the NSW Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Robyn Parker MP, for projects to be eligible for grants they must focus on four priority research areas identified for this round - threats to environments, biodiversity and native vegetation, pollution and rivers, wetlands and coasts.
Mr Kean said that both local environmental groups and the community would benefit from these grants.
"There are a host of environmental groups in the local area that benefit the community and I encourage such groups to apply for these grants", Mr Kean said.
"The Hornsby area is defined by natural beauty. And it is important that local environmental challenges and problems are addressed so that the community can continue to prosper from our area's natural environment".
For guidelines, application forms and more information go to the Environmental Trust website on www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 8837 6093.
