Parklands Public Fund now available for donations

To celebrate World Environment Day 2007, Parklands is launching its Parklands Public Fund.  The Fund will offer a unique way for the Albury Wodonga community to support the regional parklands.  With climate change an important global topic, the notion of think global act local, is relevant to the regional parklands.  Climate change awareness is on the rise, and there is potential for new values to be placed on our regional parks.

“The ability to continue to protect and enhance our regional parklands depends very much on the assistance and support from Friends Groups, volunteers and the private sector.  To assist in the management and development of the regional parklands, the Parklands Public Fund (PPF) has been established to assist in raising funds through public & corporate donations for the conservation of the Albury Wodonga Regional Parklands. Donors must contribute unconditionally to the PPF to claim a tax deduction for their support of this important community asset. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.” said Mr Carlson

The Fund Committee will meet twice per year to disperse donations on priority projects and applications by the many Friends groups of Parklands, with the first dispersement this September 2007.

What are the aims of parklands?

The primary focus of parklands is to environmentally restore, approximately 4,000ha of degraded rural land surrounding the cities of Albury and Wodonga. Our aim is to replicate an environment as close as possible to that presumed to have been in existence prior to European settlement.

How do we plan to do this?

By:

• Optimizing the biodiversity of the reserved land surrounding the cities.
• Educating the regional community about environmental issues and the wise use of resources such as soil, water and vegetation.
• Providing opportunities for volunteers and members of the general community to engage with and learn about the natural environment through the implementation of conservation works plans and programs, and the development of passive recreational opportunities in the reserves.
• Establishing and maintaining a public fund to be called the “Parklands Public Fund” for the specific purpose of supporting the environmental objectives of parklands.
• Providing international best practice environment and passive recreation management guidance to the community through the setting of policies, goals and priorities, by developing appropriate plans and by monitoring on ground outcomes.
• Involving the community through regularly seeking their views, advice and participation.
• Achieving financial independence through rigorous pursuit of government funding, corporate sponsorship and commercial practices which are compatible with environmental and heritage values.

Mr Carlson said “Donations will assist us to achieve our aims for the benefit of the regional community, in areas such as revegetation, weed control and the protection of the regions biodiversity within the regional parklands.”

For further information, or to make a donation please contact Wayne Carlson at parklands on 60236714.

Parklands Public Fund Donation Form (250 KB)