Grants of up to $10,000 to enable community organisations to help reduce dust levels and lead pollution in Port Pirie through the greening of open spaces have opened today.

“A total of $125,000 is available for community organisations to green the streets of Port Pirie helping to reduce the level of dust and improve the health of the community,” said the Deputy Premier.

“This is a targeted investment that will improve the community’s health, beautify the streets of Port Pirie and build on the good work already done by the community and the Council.

“We want to see grant applications for projects that will use trees, grass, shrubs, bark chips or mulching around seating or play spaces that the public can readily access.

“We will also fund community-based programs that create education or awareness on the issue of dust reduction in Port Pirie.”

“The $125,000 in small grants for plantings part of a wider strategy that will see $250,000 invested to develop a master plan for Port Pirie’s development and $500,000 investigate additional water supply opportunities for the city.”

Last year Nyrstar and the South Australian Government agreed to extend Targeted Lead Abatement Program (TLAP) to 2034.

The Government has also invested $7 million in a $23 million “product recycling facility” being built by Nyrstar to significantly reduce escaping lead pollution from existing operations on site.

The 6,850 square metre facility will be negatively pressured to contain and collect fine dust particles which currently leave the site.

The Government has also announced a $2.5 million program to upgrade 43 Housing SA dwellings with young children in the areas of Port Pirie at greatest risk of exposure.

Remediation works are tailored for each property and may include sealing the homes, removing old carpet for new linoleum and improving outdoor areas to remove legacy lead.

Grant applications are open from 7 February to 25 March 2022. Eligibility criteria and application forms are available on the Grants SA website.

Contact the Grants SA team on 1300 650 985 for more information.

https://dhs.sa.gov.au/services/grants-for-organisations/port-pirie-2022