- Published:
- Thursday 14 September 2023
The Andrews Labor Government is giving Victoria’s threatened species the best chance to thrive – opening a second round of the Nature Fund which promotes collaboration with private and philanthropic groups.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt announced the Nature Fund open, with $3.5 million available to restore habitat and protect at-risk native species.
The Nature Fund supports conservation projects that secure co-investment from private groups which leads to collective action for biodiversity.
Since launching in 2022, the Fund has seen $10 million go to 22 projects which have delivered habitat restoration, research and monitoring, wildlife translocations and community engagement.
Projects funded in the first round included expanding a sanctuary area for the critically endangered Southern Brush-Tailed Rock Wallaby, restoring habitat for the endangered Swift Parrot, and supporting the recovery of the critically endangered Spotted Tree Frog and endangered Pookila.
The Nature Fund has also supported projects that advance the self-determination of Victoria’s First Peoples, with $1.9 million allocated via the program’s Caring for Country stream to six projects led by Aboriginal organisations.
To learn more about the Nature Fund and to apply, visit environment.vic.gov.au/nature-fund.
Through Biodiversity 2037 and a record investment of $582 million since 2014, the Andrews Labor Government is investing more than ever in Victoria’s biodiversity and environment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
“The Nature Fund is a terrific way to encourage collaboration between government, community, the private sector and philanthropic groups - ensuring Victoria’s treasured native species are protected.”
“We all need to work together to achieve our ambitious Biodiversity 2037 goals and initiatives including the Nature Fund are protecting Victoria’s most threatened species and safeguarding their future for generations to come.”