Budget bonanza for state’s biodiversity

NSW’s spectacular wildlife and ecosystems are set to receive more than $1 billion in funding over the next four years as part of the 2021-2022 NSW Budget.

Voluntary Conservation Agreements by landholders help save threatened species

Environment Minister Matt Kean said the funding will continue the NSW Government’s important work to conserve, protect and promote our precious natural environment.

“NSW is home to some of the most unique plants, animals and ecosystems in the world, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations,” Mr Kean said.

“From securing the survival of species on the brink of extinction and working towards doubling the population of koalas in NSW to improving access and amenity in our national parks, this funding will enable us to continue delivering our ambitious environmental agenda.”

The biodiversity budget bonanza includes:

  • More than $193 million over five years to deliver on our goal to double the number of koalas in New South Wales by 2050
  • $75 million over five years to continue the Saving Our Species Program to maximise the number of ecological communities and threatened species that are secure in the wild in New South Wales
  • More than $26 million over two years to implement key actions under the Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation framework including implementation of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, and biodiversity mapping, assessment and evaluation
  • More than $140 million to manage waste, clean-up and ongoing recovery works as a result of bushfires and floods
  • More than $80 million over three years to deliver new signature walking and tourism experiences in NSW national parks.
  • The Budget also includes more than $700 million over four years to revolutionise waste management in NSW and implement the State’s Plastics Action Plan and Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041.

“In the next 20 years our waste volumes are forecast to increase from 21 million tonnes per year to 37 million tonnes per year – without action we will have more waste than we can safely manage,” Mr Kean said.

“This funding will enable us to implement the policies and programs we need to reduce waste, eliminate harmful single-use plastics and create new economic and employment opportunities – that not only protect our environment but also protect our communities.”

/Public Release. View in full here.