Hundreds of metres of fencing along waterways will be erected, and thousands of plants planted thanks to Franklin Local Board’s Waterway Protection Fund.
Ten property owners applied to the fund for a variety of grants, most to fence waterways, for planting, and to source native plants.
The largest application was for $100,000 but the applicant was ineligible.
Board chair Andy Bakers says the grants underline the excellent work being done across the district by many people with waterways on their properties.
“We can be quick to condemn farmers when our experience is that most are doing lots of work, unaided, to protect areas of their properties.
“Board member Alan Cole has a rural property and he’s planted thousands upon thousands of plants on his property.”
Mr Baker says Auckland Council has made a commitment to fighting climate change
“It’s exciting to be among the first of the local boards to make grants that allow individuals to undertake projects that support climate change action. It used to be fashionable to say: Act locally but think globally, and we believe that’s still good advice.
“The grants aren’t going to solve the problem, but they are an excellent example of taking small local steps.”
