The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is accepting applications for biodiversity funding grants until 5pm Tuesday 31 January 2012.
The Biodiversity Fund forms part of the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Future Plan. It will invest around $946m over the next six years to assist Australia lower its carbon emissions by storing carbon and protecting and enhancing its biodiversity.
The Biodiversity Fund will support three main types of activities or projects: plantings of mixed vegetation species appropriate to the local environment, protecting, managing and enhancing existing native vegetation in high conservation areas, and managing threats to biodiversity through controlling weeds and invasive species. Examples of the types of projects which the Department has indicated may be eligible to receive funding include restoration of native habitats, enhancing the condition of native vegetation adjacent to existing heritage sites or protected areas and establishing and protecting native wetland habitats, especially over cleared land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations and associations are eligible to apply for this funding if they meet the criteria set out in the funding guidelines (available on the Department’s website). The Department advises that Working on Country and Indigenous Protected Area projects are also eligible to receive funding, if applicants can show that their proposed project incorporates activities that are additional to existing work obligations and/or activities, or previously funded activities. In addition, it is possible to apply for grants under both the Biodiversity Funding program as well as the Caring for Country program, provided that the applications do not relate to the same activity.
Although applications are due by 5pm Tuesday 31 January 2012, the Department has indicated that it will consider late applications in extenuating circumstances, provided that approval for this is sought before the closing time.
Information about the funding, application guidelines and FAQs are available at http://www.environment.gov.au/cleanenergyfuture/biodiversity-fund/index.html.
In addition, those interested in undertaking carbon farming projects under the Government’s new Carbon Farming Initiative should keep an eye out for updates on the Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund, which is set to deliver $22m over 5 years to assist Indigenous communities participate in the scheme. Funding under this is due to commence in July 2012. Further information is available at http://www.environment.gov.au/cleanenergyfuture/icff/index.html.