The Habitat for Cold Country Koalas project will work with and fund private land managers to protect, enhance and expand habitat for koalas in the area between Berridale, Beloka and Jindabyne (Avonside).
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: Up to $20,000
- Application opened: 22 November 2021
- Application closed: 30 November 2021, 4:30 pm
Program objective
South East Local Land Services is looking to partner with land managers whose properties are within the koala habitat area between Berridale, Beloka, and Jindabyne (Avonside).
This grant targets properties that include:
- areas with existing large trees
- areas with a diversity of native shrubs and eucalypt species
- properties with existing areas of koala habitat on or adjoining their property.
Funded projects on the Monaro will aim to:
- enhance the quantity and quality of koala habitat
- link or improve the connectivity between known koala habitat hot spots
- mitigate any threats that may be present to known koala populations in the area of significance.
The project will also include further monitoring activities to increase the knowledge of the current koala population and how we can help them thrive.
Note: the 2021 expression of interest intake for this grant is for funding in the 2023-2024 financial year.
This program is administered by Local Land Services.
This program is funded by Australian Government.
Eligibility
- Eligibility for funding will be considered based on a range of criteria, including:
- proximity of the property to, and within the Avonside area
- proximity of the property to an area of high biodiversity value (such as a national park or wildlife corridor)
- landholder’s demonstrated commitment to conservation and natural resource management
- landholders are required to provide co-funding or in-kind contributions (for example, labour for fencing) towards the project
- landholder's willingness and ability to maintain and monitor project sites, particularly revegetation works.
- Projects will typically be limited to plantings of up to 600 trees or less unless the landholder can demonstrate that they have previously implemented a successful large-scale revegetation project.
- Local Land Services will provide support to landholders in project development. Landholders will be expected to enter into a 10-year management agreement and will be required to undertake agreed management activities relevant to the funding they receive.
- Local Land Services is committed to the protection of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. All project applications are assessed to determine if a known (registered) Aboriginal site is located in close proximity to the project site. In the instances where this occurs, an Aboriginal Sites Officer may be engaged by LLS to ensure that the proposed activities do not impact on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Who can apply
- Rural landholders within the area between Berridale, Beloka, and Jindabyne.
- Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations within the area between Berridale, Beloka, and Jindabyne.
Who can’t apply
Councils and government organisations.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Funded projects can include the following on-ground works:
- site preparation, bush regeneration, or revegetation planting to expand, restore and connect koala habitat
- livestock exclusion fencing to protect and enhance koala habitat
- pest exclusion fencing to protect and enhance koala habitat
- weed control to protect and enhance koala habitat.
What can’t you apply for
The following activities are not eligible for funding under this:
- erosion control works
- boundary fences
- pasture improvement
- exotic tree or shrub species
- the labour component of the project.
Example projects
- Fencing and revegetation works to establish a biodiversity corridor connecting existing koala habitat stands.
- Fencing to prevent browsing pressure from pest animals and livestock in existing koala habitat.
- Revegetating a cleared area adjoining existing koala habitat.
What your application needs to include
Applicant details
Applicants had to provide the following details:
- name
- property address
- phone number
- email address
- length of time owning property
- property size
- type and number of livestock (if applicable).
Address the eligibility criteria
To establish scale of works and experience with environmental/biodiversity conservation projects or initiatives, applicants must address the following:
- Is the project:
- revegetation works – approximate area (sqm)
- fencing – approximate length (metres)
- weed control – approximate area (sqm)
- cultural/ecological burning.
- Have you ever participated in any environmental/biodiversity conservation projects or initiatives, such as Landcare projects, Land for Wildlife or Rural Landscape Program?
- If yes, please indicate what project(s) these are, and what (if any) land management agreements are in place.
- Attach any additional information you would like to include to support your application, such as Land for Wildlife property assessments, property photos, etc
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: General Manager of the South East Local Land Services.
Once EOIs have been received and processed a Local Land Services staff member will contact applicants to arrange a site visit.
Project proposals will be developed in consultation with South East Local Land Services staff. Final project proposals will be submitted to an assessment panel and reviewed against eligibility criteria and funding priorities.
Successful applications will be decided by an assessment panel that makes funding recommendations, for the consideration and approval of the decision maker (Local Land Services, Manager with financial delegation).
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified.
Support and contact
Kirrily Gould – Koala Officer
Phone: 0429 692 550
Email: kirrily.gould@lls.nsw.gov.au
Postal address: 1-3 Sharp Street, PO Box 26, Cooma NSW 2630