Otago Catchment Community Katie Barns says the funds help to remove barriers to catchment-driven change.
Community-led catchment groups in Otago are being offered funding to support their work to improve land management practices.
The Otago Catchment Community (OCC) has been given $545,000 by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
This is in addition to that already received from the Otago Regional Council.
The fund will enable locally-led action, with a focus on improved environmental outcomes and has opened for applications now.
“OCC funding streams give us a direct means of assisting catchment groups, helping to remove barriers to catchment-driven change and so helping groups achieve their environmental goals,” chair Katie Barns said.
“The funding from MPI will enable OCC to expand its support to the growing number of established and emerging catchment and water care groups in Otago.
“We now have two full-time coordinators working across the region.
For further details on the fund, or to make an application, visit www.otagocatchments.co.nz
