Biodiversity Fund
Latest news
Successful Projects Round One 2011-12
The Australian Government has approved $271 million worth of grants in the first round of the Biodiversity Fund. A total of 317 successful projects will revegetate, rehabilitate and restore over 18 million hectares of the Australian landscape over the next six years. Over $31 million in funding will go towards successful projects in the first year.
The majority of projects will improve connectivity within the landscape, by building on and linking currently isolated habitat areas, relieving pressure on vulnerable native species and increasing the resilience of the landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Last update: 4 May 2012
Round One - Successful projects
How many projects received funding?
Round one of the Biodiversity Fund will support a total of 317 projects across the country.
- Project listings - successful projects
Did any Indigenous groups receive funding?
A total of 19 successful applications were received from Indigenous land managers and organisations, for projects that represent $26.1 million dollars in funding. These projects will be directly led by Indigenous groups, to revegetate and better manage parts of the Australian landscape. A further 10 projects, totalling $21.7 million, will create additional employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians through new revegetation and restoration projects.
What sort of projects received funding?
Successful Round One applicants will undertake a diverse array of projects across all states and territories, tailored to the opportunities available in each area for increasing biodiversity and reducing carbon pollution. Projects will establish, restore, and enhance vulnerable or degraded habitats, increasing connectivity between important habitat areas, creating biodiverse carbon sinks, and controlling the spread of invasive species.
When will projects begin?
Round One successful applicants will be rolling out their projects this year, and in many cases, continuing them over several years.
Is funding ongoing?
The Biodiversity Fund is an ongoing program. More than 90% of projects supported in Round One will be funded for three years or more, with almost half of the projects funded over six years.
What are the responsibilities of successful applicants?
Payment of funding under the Biodiversity Fund will be dependent on the successful applicant's completion of milestones specified in the funding agreement. Successful applicants will need to submit regular reports on their progress against project milestones, acquittal of expenditure at intervals over the life of the project, and evidence of having met the requirements of their funding.
Why was my submission unsuccessful?
Round One of the Biodiversity Fund received an overwhelming amount of interest and support from all over Australia. There will be other opportunities available to participate in the program throught future rounds.
When will Round Two open?
The design of Round Two of the Biodiversity Fund is currently being considered. Updates will be posted on the website and new FAQs included as soon as information becomes available.
General FAQs
Is the Biodiversity Fund linked to the Carbon Farming Initiative?
Like the Biodiversity Fund, the Carbon Farming Initiative is one of the programs under the Australian' Government's Clean Energy Future. Although different in their operation, these programs aim to assist the transition to a price on carbon and a new energy economy.
If you are considering participating in the Carbon Farming Initiative with a reforestation or revegetation project, or the maintenance or enhancement of existing biodiverse ecosystems, you could also apply for a Biodiversity Fund grant to assist in realising your project.
How is the Biodiversity Fund different from Caring for our Country and other environmental programs?
The Biodiversity Fund complements other government programs, such as Caring for our Country, that contribute to building landscape connectivity and resilience. It will provide incentives for activities that deliver biodiversity and environmental benefits by supporting the restoration and/or management of biodiverse landscapes.
Current funding for biodiversity conservation, provided through the Caring for our Country initiative, is focused primarily on the restoration and protection of nationally significant threatened species and ecological communities, as well as the control of Weeds of National Significance.
Is it possible to apply for grants under both Caring for our Country and the Biodiversity Fund?
Yes, but not for the same activity. Please refer to the Biodiversity Fund Grant Application Guidelines for further details on eligibility.
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