- Grants to be used to deliver diversity outcomes while controlling pest plants and animal species
- The program is operated in conjunction with five not-for-profit organisations in the land conservation arena
Under the third round of the South Australian government’s $3 million Revitalising Private Conservation program, landholders can now access up to $10,000 of grants from a pool of $300,000.
To be eligible, the landholder must be under Native Vegetation Heritage Agreements and undertake vital conservation work. This work must support diversity outcomes while helping to control pest plants and animal species.
David Speirs, the Minister for Environment and Water, said the program allows the South Australian government in conjunction with five nature conservation not-for-profit organisations to work with private landholders in order to deliver practical outcomes for the environment.
The not-for-profits include Livestock SA, Conservation SA, Nature Conservation Society of South Australia, Trees For Life and Nature Foundation, who lead the program with the Department of Environment and Water.
“I am passionate about our Heritage Agreement program and the work that this does for our natural environment here in South Australia,” said Mr Speirs.
“Improving native vegetation on private land protects and enhances biodiversity and improves landscape sustainability.”
David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water
Since 1980, landholders have established 1600 Heritage Agreements, protecting around 1.8 million hectares of diverse vegetation.
According to the South Australian government, annual funding for Heritage Agreements was reduced from $1 million to $4,000 during the previous government.
The first round was offered earlier this year, with 70 grants offered totalling $429,000.
“In South Australia, Heritage Agreements are a proven way to support private landowners to protect important bushland and achieve conservation outcomes that benefit the state and the landholders.,” added Mr Speirs during March this year.
