Regional landowners in South Australia are poised to benefit from a significant $11.4 million funding initiative aimed at increasing native vegetation and enhancing biodiversity across the state. Announced by Deputy Premier Susan Close, the grants mark a concerted effort to restore ecological balance and provide habitats for threatened species across various regions.
The focal point of this initiative are two newly launched Native Vegetation Council grants which will support long-term projects lasting up to 10 years in the Northern and Yorke, SA Arid Lands and Eyre Peninsula regions. These are specifically designed to address the recent higher levels of vegetation clearance, which has facilitated critical infrastructure and energy projects in these areas.
The Restoration Grants program 2024-2026 will allow for support for prospective projects poised for funding, include the revegetation of local native species, control of pest plants and animals, the construction of fencing to ward off detrimental activities, and the protection of existing vegetation through Heritage Agreements. The eligibility window for this round of grants wraps up on 15 November 2024, with a subsequent funding round anticipated in the early months of 2025.
The Incentive Grants also aim to motivate landowners to establish new Heritage Agreements. These agreements play a crucial role in conserving areas on private properties to aid the restoration and protection of native flora and biodiversity. Funding from these grants will support shorter-term projects, ranging from one to five years, and are accessible to all South Australian landholders until 30 June 2026.
Deputy Premier Susan Close spoke about the critical nature of this initiative. “Only 33 percent of native vegetation remains in South Australia’s agricultural zone,” said Close. “Restoring what is left and revegetating new areas is critical to halt and reverse this decline.”
She further noted the instrumental role of the Native Vegetation Council in supporting these environmentally pivotal projects. “The council’s efforts in funding these projects will improve habitat for wildlife such as Malleefowl, Plains-wanderers, and Southern Whitefaces, and support healthy ecosystems by increasing the amount of woodlands across our state.”
Since its inception in 1980, the Native Vegetation Heritage Agreements have successfully safeguarded over a million hectares of the state’s native vegetation. This new funding package is viewed as a vital step towards engaging landowners in active environmental conservation and achieving substantial outcomes for the state’s biodiversity.
For more information visit the Native Vegetation Council website.
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