Projects to protect significant gum trees, restore bandicoot habitat, rehabilitate a biodiversity corridor and care for horse properties have received Melbourne Water grants.
In its 2025 funding round, Melbourne Water announced more than $500,000 to support Landcare groups and networks - including many in Baw Baw and Cardinia areas - continue work to enhance and protect the environment.
Cannibal Creek Catchment Landcare Group gained a $19,972 grant for a project at its Lovers Lane site in Garfield. Site rehabilitation is aimed at creating a significant biodiversity corridor.
Jindivick Landcare Group received $19,419 to help its "Hunt for Giants" project. It will celebrate and protect significant gum trees across farmland in the region.
A habitat restoration project for the endangered southern brown bandicoot in Bayles gained $19,840. Through weed control and indigenous replanting informed by traditional ecological knowledge, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation will use the grant to support long-term species recovery at Bandicoot Corner.
The fourth project grant was awarded to Cardinia and West Gippsland Equine Landcare Group. The group received $5000 for its "Healthy Horses for Healthy Catchments" initiative to support sustainability on horse properties.
Six local Landcare groups also gained support grants of $500 each to cover administrative and running costs. They included Labertouche and District Sustainable Farming and Landcare Group, Bunyip Landcare Group, Poowong-Triholm Landcare Group, Bessie Creek-Ararat Creek Landcare Group, Loch-Nyora Landcare Group and Westernport Swamp Landcare.
Melbourne Water regional Landcare co-ordinator Barry Kennedy said safeguarding water, land and biodiversity was at the heart of Melbourne Water.
"Protecting and revitalising our waterways, wetlands, parks and ranges is critical as they face increasing pressures from climate change and population growth," Mr Kennedy said. "That's why we're proud to administer these grants on behalf of the Victorian Government to Landcare groups doing such vital work on the ground. From partnering on projects, to providing support via grants and training, together we're ensuring the health of the environment now and for generations to come."