Landholders across South Australia can now access $350,000 of grants to protect and restore native vegetation under the third round of the Marshall Liberal Government’s $3 million Revitalising Private Conservation in South Australia program.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for landholders under Native Vegetation Heritage Agreements to undertake vital conservation work that supports biodiversity outcomes and help control pest plant and animal species.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the grants program allows the State Government, in association with five leading nature conservation not-for profit organisations, to work in partnership with private landholders to conserve native vegetation and deliver practical outcomes for the environment.
“I am passionate about our Heritage Agreement program and the work that this does for our natural environment here in South Australia,” Minister Speirs said.
“Since 1980 landholders have established more than 1,600 Heritage Agreements in South Australia, which ensures the long-term protection of 1.8 million hectares of the state’s diverse native vegetation.
“These agreements support the Marshall Liberal Government’s back-to-basics approach for landscape and nature conservation management and deliver improved environmental and economic outcomes in partnership with private landholders.
“Improving native vegetation on private land protects and enhances biodiversity and improves landscape sustainability.
“When I became the Minister for Environment and Water it was a great pleasure to be able to initiate the expansion of the Heritage Agreement grants program. After two successful grant rounds it gives me great pleasure to launch the third round, grants up to $10,000 for individual property projects.
“Unfortunately, the former Labor Government turned its back on Heritage Agreements reducing the annual funding from $1 million to just $4,000 in another example of failing to take practical action to conserve our environment.
The Revitalising Private Conservation in South Australia program brings together a partnership of South Australia’s leading environmental and agricultural producer organisations, including Nature Foundation, Livestock SA, Conservation SA, Nature Conservation Society of South Australia, and Trees For Life. The program is led by the Nature Foundation as the principal delivery partner working closely with the Department for Environment and Water which funds the program.
Current and prospective Heritage Agreement landholders can learn more at www.revitalisingconservationsa.org.au, and also find the full list of successful Round 1 grant recipients.
