Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grant is an annual funding program by the City of Casey designed to support environmental conservation and biodiversity improvement. It helps landholders and volunteers undertake projects that restore native habitats and protect ecological systems. The program focuses on improving habitat quality and increasing native vegetation across fragmented landscapes.
Key Objectives of the Program
The grant aims to protect and expand native habitat areas across public and private land. It supports restoration of degraded ecosystems through indigenous planting and conservation activities. It also promotes habitat connectivity to allow movement of native species across landscapes. Another objective is to improve long-term environmental sustainability through planned maintenance and ecological management.
Funding Amount and Streams
The program provides funding of up to AUD 2,000 per project, along with applicant contributions depending on project scope. It operates through two funding streams: the Revegetation stream and the Mainstream stream. Applicants may apply for one or both streams in a single funding round if eligible.
Revegetation Stream
The Revegetation stream supports indigenous planting projects in areas with little or no native vegetation. It prioritizes sites near existing native vegetation or habitat corridors to improve ecological connectivity. The City of Casey provides indigenous plants, while applicants handle site preparation, planting, and ongoing maintenance. Projects involving multiple properties or staged planting over time are also considered.
Mainstream Stream
The Mainstream stream supports broader conservation activities carried out by landholders or volunteers. This includes fencing to protect native vegetation, weed control programs, pest animal management, and implementation of Conservation Management Plans. It may also support habitat restoration activities targeting species such as foxes, rabbits, and feral cats. Funding can cover materials, contractor services, and approved environmental works.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include private landholders and volunteers involved in conservation projects on public land. Applicants must demonstrate clear biodiversity benefits within the local environment. They may apply individually or for multiple properties if the project aligns with program guidelines.
Project Priorities
Priority is given to projects that improve biodiversity outcomes and strengthen habitat connectivity. Projects that protect significant native species and use indigenous plant species are highly valued. Alignment with Council biodiversity strategies and inclusion of long-term maintenance planning are also important selection criteria. Projects that restore fragmented landscapes and support ecological resilience are strongly encouraged.
Responsibilities of Applicants
Applicants are responsible for implementing site preparation, planting, and ongoing maintenance for revegetation projects. They must ensure that conservation activities are properly managed and maintained over time. For fencing, weed control, and pest management projects, applicants may engage contractors or use approved methods under the grant guidelines.
Why This Grant Matters
This program helps restore natural ecosystems and improve biodiversity across the City of Casey. It supports long-term environmental sustainability by rebuilding native habitats and protecting endangered species. It also strengthens community involvement in conservation efforts and improves ecological connectivity across fragmented landscapes.
Conclusion
The Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grant plays a key role in protecting and restoring native ecosystems in the City of Casey, Australia. By supporting revegetation and conservation activities, it enhances biodiversity, strengthens habitat networks, and promotes sustainable land management. The program ensures long-term environmental benefits through community participation and targeted ecological restoration.
For more information, visit City of Casey.
