Eight local schools and community groups are one step closer to delivering projects that benefit the environment thanks to a share of $20,000 from Port Stephens Council.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said successful projects range from restoring bushfire-ravaged reserves and planting koala-friendly trees, to creating native community gardens and school incursions.

“Our region has a unique and beautiful environment that deserves to be treasured and preserved,” he said.

“We’re proud to support community groups and schools through the Environmental Projects Fund to promote sustainability, improve biodiversity, protect local ecosystems and educate our community.

“After such a high standard of applications, we have awarded funding to eight recipients for a range of environmentally-friendly programs and activities.

“Whether it’s teaching children about sustainability, planting important native species or managing pest animals within koala habitat, each represents significant benefit to both the local environment and the community.”

Plastic Free Port Stephens will receive $5,000 to run an incursion project within local schools promoting innovative ways to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Shoal Bay Landcare group has been granted $3,780 to establish a native community garden along the foreshore and carry out dune restoration.

Lemon Tree Passage Parks, Reserves and Landcare Group will restore parts of John Parade Reserve affected by fire last October with $2,000.

Other recipients include Seaham Preschool ($1,033.85), Soldiers Point Landcare Group ($2,500), Tilligerry Landcare Group ($2,000), Corlette Reserves and Landcare group ($500) and Nelson Bay West Landcare Group and EcoPollinators ($3,000).

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