The Victorian Government has released its 2011-12 budget, displaying an increased spending on green initiatives.

 

The environmental spending has been outlined as follows:

 

  • $20 million Community Green Fund Grants Program to provide grants of $10,000 to $150,000 for community-based and volunteer groups for on-ground action, including biodiversity conservation and preservation, elimination of feral pests, weed control, cleaning up waterways, revegetation and environmental awareness;

  • $5 million Energy Efficiency Rebates for Low Income Homes to support low-income home owners to cut power bills with a $700 rebate to help people switch from electric to gas-powered heaters and a $100 rebate to help purchase more efficient whitegoods appliances;

  • $5 million Backing Green Business Plan to establish a voluntary Business Sustainability Accreditation green tick program for small and medium sized enterprises;

  • $10.7 million for the Free Zoos for Kids initiative to help family budgets by introducing free admission to public zoos for children under 16 years old on weekends, public holidays and school holidays;

  • $12 million Landcare support package to back Landcare network by providing part funding for 60 co-ordinator positions across Victoria; and

  • Putting the Buzz back into Agriculture to support Victoria's honey bee industry with $150,000 to provide more sites for bee hives.

 

The Victorian Government has also announced a total of $62.4 million for restoration and repair of flood-damaged parks and reserves. The Budget also includes a  $8.4 million package to be spent on repairing and replacing assets in Victoria's parks and other public land.

 

The State Government has also announced $30.5 million package over four years to continue the employment of 65 park rangers across Victoria to improve management of our national parks and join Victoria's firefighting and fuel reduction efforts.