Grant welcomed

FUNDING for a Belgrave South wetland project is complete following a $2500 grant from the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Belgrave South Community House centre manager Lyn Young said the wetlands project, which was already under construction behind the Gilmore Courtbased house, was costed at $23,000 including labour.
She said the shire’s $2500 community grant will fund the labour costs for heavy machinery operators.
Five volunteers had been working on the wetlands environment since May, about the same time the community house received a Melbourne Water grant of $7500.
Ms Young said the community house raised the remaining funds and that it would formally accept the shire’s grant in a ceremony on 16 August.
The community could expect to see major works completed within three months, she said.
While the wetland is a community project and resource, Ms Young said it will also be valuable for Belgrave South Primary School students who could use it for scientific study.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges this year granted funds to more than 40 community groups across the three categories of capital, community and cultural development.
The combined value of the oneoff grants is $257,000.