News and Events
September 2009
The popularity of Envirolink to regional councils continues to increase with this year’s advice grant budget already 50% allocated after only two months. Unlike previous years we do not anticipate additional funding being allocated to the scheme as the budget becomes fully subscribed.
Over 600 small or medium sized projects have been approved since the scheme started in December 2005 and 16 research providers have been contracted by the nine eligible regional councils to provide advice on a wide-range of environmental topics. Freshwater issues have dominated but there has also been considerable interest in terrestrial biodiversity and biosecurity, marine, coastal, and air quality knowledge transfer.
The 2009 Tool round is currently open for applications (see website for examples) and proposals should be with Gary Bedford by the 18 September 09. This year only $500K (ex GST) is available. The Tool Committee will meet after mid-October to decide a short-list to submit to FRST.
As covered elsewhere on this website, the 'tools' funding process is used to support the development and application of resource management tools that will be for the use of regional councils nationally. They may involve technology or systems. Applications for funding for 'tools' projects must originate from regional councils and are judged on maximum value to the maximum number of councils.
The regional council CEOs have approved the 'Research, science and technology strategy for regional councils'. Priority will be given to projects that deliver on the 'critical issues and research needs' set out in Appendix 3 of that document, available on www.envirolink.govt.nz/strategy.htm.
