Biodiversity Incentive Scheme Grants
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Helping land owners to protect biodiversity
Over the past 10 years biodiversity incentive programs have become increasingly popular among Australian Councils. This directly reflects the growing appreciation of the need to protect remnant revegetation and biodiversity values amongst Australian residents.
A recent survey indicated that only 6% of indigenous vegetation remains within the municipality, so Council has implemented a range of initiatives to increase native vegetation throughout the municipality, including providing linkages to patches of remnant vegetation.
As part of the City of Casey Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy, Council offers financial assistance to help landowners undertake actions that will improve the extent and quality of native vegetation in Casey.
Interested landholders can apply by completing the Biodiversity Incentive Scheme expression of interest form and returning it to:
City of Casey’s Environment Department
Po Box 1000
Narre Warren VIC 3805
Assessment criteria
Preference will be given to applications that:
- Protect large patches of remnant vegetation
- Are well planned including a maintenance program
- Demonstrate a level of in-kind contribution.
Council will not fund
- Applications linked to planning permit conditions
- Activities required as part of planning enforcement.
Time line and closing dates
Expressions of interest for the next round of grants will be open from 29 July and close on 6 September 2013.
What assistance is available?
1) Providing grants for fencing remnant vegetation
Fencing is a valuable land management tool for protecting remnant vegetation of any size. This subsidy will be provided on a per metre basis and will depend on the fencing material required.
Conditions
- All material must be as new
- Maintenance of the fence is the responsibility of the landowner
- The location of the fence will be determined by the landowner and the Council cooperatively
- The fence must be stock proof
- Areas fenced to protect remnant vegetation and environmentally sensitive areas must remain stock free
- All assistance / payments are at the discretion of the Council officer
Fencing rebates will be given according to the standard of fence that is required and agreed to by the Council Officer. There will be no size restriction on the length of fence however the size of the remnant patch being protected will be considered when applications are short listed.
The standard fence is based on one post every 5 metres – 10 metres. A standard fence should consist of a minimum of five plain wires (may be substituted with barbed wire if desired).
Standard rebate of $10 per metre.
2) Providing grants for weed control
Funding is available to control noxious and environmental weeds on private property. This funding is only available to residents who are already meeting their statutory requirements.
The cost of herbicide will be covered. In some instances where the property has been listed as environmentally significant or is assessed by the relevant Council officer as being so, up to half of the cost of a suitably qualified contractor will be contributed by Council.
3) Providing grants for revegetation projects
Council subsidies will cover up to 100% of the cost of indigenous plants purchased within the scope of the project. The cost of site preparation may be subsidised if deemed appropriate upon assessment by the Council.
Conditions
- All plants must be indigenous to the area
- Plant list must be approved by the relevant Council officer
- Plant list must be consistent with ecological vegetation class for the area
- Plants must be grown from locally sourced seed
4) Pest animal control
Pest animals including the red fox, European rabbit and feral cats have a significant impact on the natural environment. Funding will require a co-contribution form the land owner and in some instances require participation from surrounding neighbours.
Conditions
- All works must be in accordance with best practice
- Where appropriate a landscape approach should be initiated
- Pest animal control works are to protect remnant vegetation and areas of high environmental significance
- Funding assistance is at the discretion of the Council Officer
5) Technical support
The City of Casey’s Environment Department can provide technical support to residents regarding this program including reference material and appropriate referral to other relevant organisations.
Expression of Interest Form
Interested landholders can apply by completing the Biodiversity Incentive Scheme expression of interest form and returning it to:
City of Casey’s Environment Department
PO Box 1000
Narre Warren VIC 3805