Latest news with #ECOFund
Scoop
13 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
New $2m Large-Scale Environmental Fund Endorsed By ORC
ORC councillors yesterday gave the green light for staff to progress a proposed $2 million large scale environmental fund. Councillor and co-chair of the environmental delivery committee, Kate Wilson, welcomed the decision, saying the community had shown that large scale catchment wide approach was the most effective delivery model. 'It had been well supported through consultation and provided for intergenerational impact, collaboration and also aligns with organisational strategic direction to support environmental outcomes,' she says. The delivery committee's other co-chair and Councillor, Lloyd McCall, says the ability for ORC to be able to support and enable community led environmental action at scale is an excellent opportunity. 'There is already significant investment that the community are contributing to environmental outcomes and to be able to support more of this to happen on the ground is vital to enhance what we have for future generations,' Mr McCall says. At a full Council meeting in Dunedin yesterday, Councillors unanimously endorsed the proposal for staff to progress implementation of the prioritised funding model. The $2 million per-year fund will initially be funded from Council reserves and comes into effect from 1 July 2025. The new fund is separate from the ORC's annual ECO Fund. Manager Environmental Implementation, Libby Caldwell says on collaboration across the system, ORC will take a leadership role of the funding system, but local leadership and action will be driven by communities to achieve sustained environmental outcomes. In considering ORC alignment to organisational strategy and strategic direction, Mrs Caldwell says that covers 'knowing that the right investment decisions are being made in the right place at the right time to support ORC's strategic directions and the goals set by Council'. Through the annual plan process the decision was also made in the Council meeting yesterday to proceed with funding this programme of work.
Otago Daily Times
10-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Projects set to receive $1m
The Otago Regional Council will give more than $1 million to nearly 30 community-led environmental projects. ECO Fund assessment panel chairman Alan Somerville said the community effort and commitment was inspiring. The fund was oversubscribed and some very good projects missed out on funding. Of the original 69 applicants this year seeking a total $2.87 million, 28 were shortlisted, which would receive $1,059,178 The funding supported community-driven projects, which protected, enhanced and promoted Otago's environment, Cr Somerville said. This year the fund had supported a wide range of projects: control of wilding conifers, sycamores and willows, rabbits and predators; weed clearance and native planting; programmes to upskill volunteers in trapping and monitoring; and helping schools with restoration projects. "We've funded groups with a proven track record, but also some first-time applicants." Three of the projects are in Clutha, five in Central Otago, 10 in Dunedin, eight in Queenstown Lakes and one each in Waitaki and North Otago. Four large-scale biodiversity projects share $450,000, nine general projects share $348,001, three sustained rabbit management projects share $100,000, seven biodiversity enhancement projects on protected private land share $99,757, one project for critical source area management on private land gets $15,000 and four projects for weed removal and revegetation share $46,420.— APL
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
28 Otago Projects Gain More Than $1m Environmental Funding From ORC
Press Release – Otago Regional Council ORCs Chair of the ECO Fund Assessment Panel, Alan Somerville, highlighted how community groups throughout Otago carry out vital environmental work. ORC Councillors today unanimously gave the green light for 28 community-lead environmental projects around Otago to receive a total $1,059,178, from its annual ECO Fund disbursement. Total ECO Fund disbursements since mid-2018 are now more than $3.5 million. ORC's Chair of the ECO Fund Assessment Panel, Alan Somerville, highlighted how community groups throughout Otago carry out vital environmental work. 'The community effort and commitment is inspiring. I'm only sorry we didn't have the funds to support more of the applications, noting that some very good projects have missed out.' Of the original 69 applicants this year seeking a total $2.87 million, there were eventually 28 shortlisted who will receive a total $1,059,178 from the $1,059,500 million available. The fund was again oversubscribed almost three times. 'Since 2018 the ECO Fund has been there to support these community efforts. Otago gets immense value from the ECO Fund,' Cr Somerville says. The funding supports community driven projects, which protect, enhance, and promote Otago's environment. 'Besides the benefits for biodiversity and freshwater quality, local people build valuable knowledge and skills and strengthen their community connections,' he says. This year the Fund has supported a wide range of projects: control of wilding conifers, sycamores and willows, rabbits and predators; weed clearance and native planting; programmes to upskill volunteers in trapping and monitoring and to help schools with restoration projects. 'We've funded groups with a proven track record, but also some first-time applicants,' he says. While thanking all the groups who applied, Cr Somerville says there was still plenty more to do and encouraged organisations to begin thinking about next year's ECO Fund. Reallocation Council today endorsed a budget reallocation from two of the ECO Fund funding categories to another ECO Fund funding category, which allowed for the funding of two additional projects in the General funding category. The ECO Fund Assessment Panel met on 15 April 2025 to assess the applications, ultimately recommending 28 applications to Council for funding to a total value of $1,059,178. This includes the reallocation of $3502 and $35,000 from the categories of weed removal and revegetation (Biodiversity operations budget) and critical source area management on private land (Land and Water operations budget) respectively, to other specific ECO Fund funding categories due to undersubscription. To date, $3.63 million distributed since 2018 Over the past 11 rounds of ECO Fund since mid-2018, a total $10.45 million was applied for, with a total 194 applicants (those shortlisted) from a total 420 applicants, successful, with a total $3.63 million having been distributed. On average, each of the 11 rounds was oversubscribed by 300%. Table 1 – Summary of recommendations from the Assessment Panel Funding category Number of applications recommended for funding Total grant amount Large-scale biodiversity projects 4 $450,000 General 9 $348,001 Sustained rabbit management 3 $100,000 Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land 7 $99,757 Critical source area management on private land 1 $15,000 Weed removal and revegetation 4 $46,420 Total 28 $1,059,178 Table 2 – Large-scale biodiversity projects – Projects and funding allocation – March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust Makarora Biodiversity Protection QLDC Pest animal control $ 105,572 Upper Taieri Wai Restoring the Upper Taiari Scroll Plain CODC Weed control and native planting $ 149,900 Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group Contorta to Native Shelterbelt Transitions CODC Weed control and native planting $ 150,000 Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust Mapping Biodiversity Outcomes at Okia DCC Pest animal control, native planting $ 44,528 (part) Total $ 450,000 Table 3 – General – Projects and funding allocation – March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau – Sinclair Wetlands Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau / Sinclair Wetlands CDC Weed and pest animal control, wetland hydrology enhancement $ 49,800 Predator Free Cromwell Predator Free Cromwell: Educate, Protect, Restore CODC Pest animal control $ 42,791 Whakatipu Wildlife Trust Building Community Monitoring Capability QLDC Pest animal control and native fauna $ 39,003 Whakatipu Reforestation Trust Educate for Nature QLDC Native revegetation $ 49,500 Matukituki Charitable Trust Innovation in the Matukituki Valley QLDC Pest animal control $ 49,490 Manuherekia Catchment Group Keeping Orkney Wetland Flourishing CODC Weed control, wetland hydrology enhancement $ 29,032 Tomahawk-Smaills BeachCare Trust Growing Habitat for New Zealand Sea Lions DCC Native planting $ 48,200 Tucker Beach Wildlife Trust Tucker Beach Wildlife Reserve Restoration QLDC Weed control and native planting $ 37,200 Dunedin Environment Centre Trust Kaikorai Estuary Restoration Project DCC Native planting $ 2,985 Total $ 348,001 Table 4 – Sustained rabbit management – Projects and funding allocation – March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Peregrine neighbours ECO group Peregrine neighbours ECO group QLDC Pest animal control $ 42,570 Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kātiki Point Rabbit-proof Fencing and Planting WDC Pest animal control $ 23,560 (part) Titri Pest Management Group Titri Pest Management CDC Pest animal control $ 33,870 (part) Total $ 100,000 Table 5 – Biodiversity Enhancement of Protected Private Land – Projects and funding allocation – March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Sutton Creek Trust Jones Tors Covenant DCC Native planting and threatened species $ 9,757 Remarkables Station National Trust Limited Remarkables Station Sycamore Control QLDC Weed control $ 15,000 Reid Family Trust Porteous Road Restoration Project DCC Native planting $ 15,000 Matai Hill Trust Matai Hill Restoration Project DCC Native planting $ 15,000 Waitati Beach Reserve Society Waitati Beach Reserve Habitat Restoration DCC Weed control and native planting $ 15,000 Hazeldale Farming Limited Hazeldale Fen Fencing CDC Fencing $ 15,000 Makarara Farm Makarara Farm QEII Enhancement DCC Native planting $ 15,000 Total $ 99,757 Table 6 –Critical source area management on private land – Projects and funding allocation – March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Cardrona Alpine Resort Ltd Pringles Creek Native Plant Restoration QLDC Water quality $15,000 Total $ 15,000 Table 7 – Weed removal and revegetation – Projects and funding allocation – March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Dog Owners Group Cape Wanbrow DOG Cape Wanbrow WDC Native planting $ 400 Otokia Creek and Marsh Habitat Trust Weed removal on the Otokia Marsh DCC Weed control $ 15,000 Ida Valley Catchment Group Poolburn gorge willow removal and revegetation CODC Weed control $ 15,000 Deborah Bay Residents' Association DBRA Sycamores DCC Weed control $ 16,020 Total $ 46,420 Location of projects Number of projects per location Clutha district 3 Central Otago district 5 Dunedin area 10 Queenstown Lakes district 8 Waitaki / North Otago 2
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
28 Otago Projects Gain More Than $1m Environmental Funding From ORC
ORC Councillors today unanimously gave the green light for 28 community-lead environmental projects around Otago to receive a total $1,059,178, from its annual ECO Fund disbursement. Total ECO Fund disbursements since mid-2018 are now more than $3.5 million. ORC's Chair of the ECO Fund Assessment Panel, Alan Somerville, highlighted how community groups throughout Otago carry out vital environmental work. 'The community effort and commitment is inspiring. I'm only sorry we didn't have the funds to support more of the applications, noting that some very good projects have missed out.' Of the original 69 applicants this year seeking a total $2.87 million, there were eventually 28 shortlisted who will receive a total $1,059,178 from the $1,059,500 million available. The fund was again oversubscribed almost three times. 'Since 2018 the ECO Fund has been there to support these community efforts. Otago gets immense value from the ECO Fund,' Cr Somerville says. The funding supports community driven projects, which protect, enhance, and promote Otago's environment. 'Besides the benefits for biodiversity and freshwater quality, local people build valuable knowledge and skills and strengthen their community connections,' he says. This year the Fund has supported a wide range of projects: control of wilding conifers, sycamores and willows, rabbits and predators; weed clearance and native planting; programmes to upskill volunteers in trapping and monitoring and to help schools with restoration projects. 'We've funded groups with a proven track record, but also some first-time applicants,' he says. While thanking all the groups who applied, Cr Somerville says there was still plenty more to do and encouraged organisations to begin thinking about next year's ECO Fund. Reallocation Council today endorsed a budget reallocation from two of the ECO Fund funding categories to another ECO Fund funding category, which allowed for the funding of two additional projects in the General funding category. The ECO Fund Assessment Panel met on 15 April 2025 to assess the applications, ultimately recommending 28 applications to Council for funding to a total value of $1,059,178. This includes the reallocation of $3502 and $35,000 from the categories of weed removal and revegetation (Biodiversity operations budget) and critical source area management on private land (Land and Water operations budget) respectively, to other specific ECO Fund funding categories due to undersubscription. To date, $3.63 million distributed since 2018 Over the past 11 rounds of ECO Fund since mid-2018, a total $10.45 million was applied for, with a total 194 applicants (those shortlisted) from a total 420 applicants, successful, with a total $3.63 million having been distributed. On average, each of the 11 rounds was oversubscribed by 300%. Table 1 – Summary of recommendations from the Assessment Panel Funding category Number of applications recommended for funding Total grant amount Large-scale biodiversity projects 4 $450,000 General 9 $348,001 Sustained rabbit management 3 $100,000 Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land 7 $99,757 Critical source area management on private land 1 $15,000 Weed removal and revegetation 4 $46,420 Total 28 $1,059,178 Table 2 – Large-scale biodiversity projects - Projects and funding allocation - March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust Makarora Biodiversity Protection QLDC Pest animal control $ 105,572 Upper Taieri Wai Restoring the Upper Taiari Scroll Plain CODC Weed control and native planting $ 149,900 Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group Contorta to Native Shelterbelt Transitions CODC Weed control and native planting $ 150,000 Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust Mapping Biodiversity Outcomes at Okia DCC Pest animal control, native planting $ 44,528 (part) Total $ 450,000 Table 3 – General - Projects and funding allocation - March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau - Sinclair Wetlands Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau / Sinclair Wetlands CDC Weed and pest animal control, wetland hydrology enhancement $ 49,800 Predator Free Cromwell Predator Free Cromwell: Educate, Protect, Restore CODC Pest animal control $ 42,791 Whakatipu Wildlife Trust Building Community Monitoring Capability QLDC Pest animal control and native fauna $ 39,003 Whakatipu Reforestation Trust Educate for Nature QLDC Native revegetation $ 49,500 Matukituki Charitable Trust Innovation in the Matukituki Valley QLDC Pest animal control $ 49,490 Manuherekia Catchment Group Keeping Orkney Wetland Flourishing CODC Weed control, wetland hydrology enhancement $ 29,032 Tomahawk-Smaills BeachCare Trust Growing Habitat for New Zealand Sea Lions DCC Native planting $ 48,200 Tucker Beach Wildlife Trust Tucker Beach Wildlife Reserve Restoration QLDC Weed control and native planting $ 37,200 Dunedin Environment Centre Trust Kaikorai Estuary Restoration Project DCC Native planting $ 2,985 Table 4 – Sustained rabbit management - Projects and funding allocation - March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Peregrine neighbours ECO group Peregrine neighbours ECO group QLDC Pest animal control $ 42,570 Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kātiki Point Rabbit-proof Fencing and Planting WDC Pest animal control $ 23,560 (part) Titri Pest Management Group Titri Pest Management CDC Pest animal control $ 33,870 (part) Total $ 100,000 Table 5 – Biodiversity Enhancement of Protected Private Land - Projects and funding allocation - March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Sutton Creek Trust Jones Tors Covenant DCC Native planting and threatened species $ 9,757 Remarkables Station National Trust Limited Remarkables Station Sycamore Control QLDC Weed control $ 15,000 Reid Family Trust Porteous Road Restoration Project DCC Native planting $ 15,000 Matai Hill Trust Matai Hill Restoration Project DCC Native planting $ 15,000 Waitati Beach Reserve Society Waitati Beach Reserve Habitat Restoration DCC Weed control and native planting $ 15,000 Hazeldale Farming Limited Hazeldale Fen Fencing CDC Fencing $ 15,000 Makarara Farm Makarara Farm QEII Enhancement DCC Native planting $ 15,000 Table 6 –Critical source area management on private land - Projects and funding allocation - March 2025 round Table 7 – Weed removal and revegetation - Projects and funding allocation - March 2025 round Organisation Project Name District Project Activity Grant Amount Dog Owners Group Cape Wanbrow DOG Cape Wanbrow WDC Native planting $ 400 Otokia Creek and Marsh Habitat Trust Weed removal on the Otokia Marsh DCC Weed control $ 15,000 Ida Valley Catchment Group Poolburn gorge willow removal and revegetation CODC Weed control $ 15,000 Deborah Bay Residents' Association DBRA Sycamores DCC Weed control $ 16,020 Total $ 46,420 Location of projects Number of projects per location Clutha district 3 Central Otago district 5 Dunedin area 10 Queenstown Lakes district 8 Waitaki / North Otago 2
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
ORC's ECO Fund Almost 3X Oversubscribed Again
Press Release – Otago Regional Council Of a total $1.05 million available this year the 69 applicants were seeking a combined $2.87 million for environmental projects around Otago. The 28 shortlisted applications to Council seek a total of $1,059,178 just under the $1,059,500 available. Applications for Otago Regional Council's annual ECO Fund is again almost three times oversubscribed – with 28 projects having been shortlisted from a total 69 applications. Of a total $1.05 million available this year the 69 applicants were seeking a combined $2.87 million for environmental projects around Otago. The 28 shortlisted applications to Council seek a total of $1,059,178 – just under the $1,059,500 available. ORC's Environmental Funding Lead, Elodie Letendre, says with $1,059,500 available and initial requests for $2,872,157, the fund was about 2.7 times oversubscribed; similar to the past two years. 'The oversubscription again this year reflects increasing community awareness, and that people are very keen to help protect the environment. Every year we wish we could fund more applicants,' she says. The 28* shortlisted applications will go before a full Council meeting this week for consideration, on Wednesday 21 May. 'Again, there were a large number of very good applications this year,' Ms Letendre says. The successful applicants will be announced following Wednesday's meeting. Further information is now online in the Agenda (10.1) for the Council meeting on the 21st. 'It's the communities who know what matters most locally and these funding programmes can empower them to turn great ideas into action,' she says. The ECO Fund underpins the ORC's partnership with local communities throughout Otago to improve and enhance the environment, Ms Letendre says. Included in the total 69 applications, were 28 from the wider Dunedin district area, 17 from around Queenstown Lakes, 10 from Central Otago, seven from the Clutha district and six from around Waitaki – North Otago. March 2025 Funding Round ECO Fund Category Number of applications Funds requested Funds available Large-scale biodiversity projects 15 $1,665,388 $450,000 General (on-ground and education) 26 $715,886 $309,500 Sustained rabbit management 10 $263,959 $100,000 Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land 12 $156,524 $100,000 Critical source area management on private land 1 $15,000 $50,000 Weed removal and revegetation 5 $55,400 $50,000 TOTAL 69 $2,872,157 $1,059,500 *The 28 shortlisted applications could be reduced to 26. On Wednesday Council will consider endorsing a budget reallocation from two of the ECO Fund funding categories to another ECO Fund funding category, which would allow funding of two additional projects in the General funding category. The ECO Fund Assessment Panel met on 15 April 2025 to assess the applications, ultimately recommending 28 applications to Council for funding to a total value of $1,059,178. This includes the reallocation of $3502 and $35,000 from the categories of weed removal and revegetation (Biodiversity operations budget) and critical source area management on private land (Land and Water operations budget) respectively, to other specific ECO Fund funding categories due to undersubscription. The process ECO Fund applications closed on 31 March. A staff panel then reviewed eligibility and scored the applications before the Assessment Panel, made up of three ORC Councillors and one mana whenua representative, undertook their review and scoring. This panel will next recommend a list of shortlisted applicants at a full Council meeting, on Wednesday, 21 May, which Councillors will vote on. Successful applicants will then be notified, and an announcement made, outlining each project's objectives and the amount of funding secured. Last year there was $918,000 available, with a total 65 applicants initially seeking $2.7 million, with ultimately 33 successful applicants sharing a total $854,733. To date, $2.58 million distributed since 2018. Over the past 10 rounds of ECO Fund since mid-2018, a total $7.58 million was applied for, with a total 166 applicant (from 351) successful, with a total $2.58 million distributed into the community to achieve environmental outcomes. On average, each of the nine rounds was oversubscribed by 300%. Notes: The successful applicants will be announced following Wednesday's meeting. Further information is now online in the Agenda (10.1) for the Council meeting on the 21st.
