Charity organisations that work with abused and neglected animals in the state of Victoria may benefit from a new $1.6 million funding package announced by the coalition government today (August 9).
Agriculture minister Peter Walsh said that this fund is delivering on an election promise that was made when the coalition was in opposition.
During this time they committed to donate any fines, penalties or seizures from illegal puppy farms to animal welfare organisations.
The coalition government is going to subsidise this amount by providing yearly funding over the next four years.
"Given that may be unpredictable or insufficient, we have today gone a step further by guaranteeing funding of $400,000 a year for the next four years," Mr Walsh said in a statement issued August 9.
The agriculture minister went on to explain that this money would be available to Australian charities and nonprofits in the area who worked in animal welfare and proved eligible for additional funding.
"During the next four years, small grants of up to $10,000 and large grants of up to $50,000 will be available to not-for-profit organisations," he explained.
"The money will help organisations that provide for the welfare of companion animals, operate an 'animal shelter' service, provide education programs on responsible ownership of animals or assist such animals during emergencies."
To announce the fund, Mr Walsh and treasurer Kim Wells visited Pug Rescue and Adoption Victoria, which is located in Wantirna.
While applications will not be open until September 1, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Department of Primary Industries for more information.
Earlier this week the Victoria coalition also announced funding for a community centre in Stawell.
Deputy premier and minister for regional and rural development Peter Ryan said that the $240,000 grant would go towards the redevelopment of existing infrastructure so that it can be used for local community purposes.
"The new community centre will incorporate meeting spaces, upgraded amenities, a drop-in centre, family room and accessible walkway," Mr Ryan said in a statement issued August 7.
He went onto explain that the "redeveloped centre will play a key role in developing community wellbeing and enhancing the visitor experience in Stawell".
There are many facilities like these around Victoria and Australia, and they are often useful and convenient places to hold charity events.
