The ACT Government has opened its inaugural Healthy Waterways Community Grants Program, setting aside $120,000 for practical, community-led projects that tackle leaf litter and help keep Canberra’s lakes, ponds, wetlands and creeks healthy.
When leaves build up in gutters, on nature strips and across other hard surfaces, they can become a source of harmful nutrients that end up in our waterways. Announcing the grants on 26 October 2026, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said they would empower volunteers and organisations to help make the waterways in their own neighbourhoods healthier.
“Canberrans care deeply about their local environment, and these grants will support practical projects that help keep our waterways healthy with the community’s support,” Minister Orr said.
Two Healthy Waterways Community Grants streams
Funding is split across two streams. Community Action Grants cover projects from $2,000 to $10,000, while Impact Grants support larger efforts from $10,001 to $30,000.
Who can apply for Healthy Waterways Community Grants
Community groups, school volunteer organisations, individuals and small organisations can all apply. Projects must encourage better leaf litter management and healthier waterways, whether through community events, education projects, volunteer activities or innovative new ideas.
Deadline
Applications close on Monday 23 November 2026, so there are only a couple of weeks left to get one in. Information sessions, grant guidelines and application details are available on the ACT Government’s Healthy Waterways Program webpage.
The grants complement the Government’s broader Healthy Waterways work, including street sweeping, the Lake Tuggeranong catchment plan, water-sensitive urban design and catchment management initiatives.
Also read: Northern Territory Water Act Changes: 8 Critical Reforms
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: ACT Government. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
