Media release

New and old benefit from Envirofund

Posted On: Wednesday, 2 June 2004

Seven schools, two community houses and one kindergarten are amongst the 22 successful recipients of Hamilton City Council's Envirofund.

Research into best practice restoration of Hamilton's gullies and a study into long-tailed bats are also on the list of funded projects.

Each year Council has $50,000 to distribute amongst individuals, schools and community groups for projects that that encourage sound environmental improvement and contribute to the sustainability of the city. While the number of applications was down on previous years, the spread of projects was considerably wider. This year also saw applications from a number of new groups and organisations.

New projects include engaging Pacific people and Chinese migrants in environmental projects, a new data projector for the Hamilton Environment Centre, and the Hamilton Permaculture Trust erecting new signage to make the Hamilton Gardens' Sustainable Backyard easier to find. The trust will also be holding composting workshops for the public to show how to turn food scraps and garden waste into valuable garden fertiliser.

Next year's funding round starts in January 2005, but if people want to make sure they are on the mailing list, they can contact Council's Envirofund co-ordinator Sven Hanne on 838 6878.