Victoria’s threatened species will have a better chance to thrive through the Nature Fund, a new state government conservation program.
Environment and Climate Action Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced $10 million from the Nature Fund will be provided to support 16 projects to create positive outcomes for Victoria’s most threatened species.
“It has never been a more important time to invest in our state’s future and the future of our environment,” she said.
“Through initiatives like the Nature Fund, we will have the best chance at improving the outlook for our threatened species.
“A healthy natural environment creates healthy and happy communities for years to come.”
The projects will deliver significant benefits for Victoria’s biodiversity, and they will be supported with a further $23 million co-investment from delivery partners.
The projects include improving habitat for critically endangered Major Mitchell’s cockatoos in Wyperfeld National Park, supporting the recovery of the critically endangered Fairy Tern, improving the condition of endangered grasslands in western Victoria, and restoring habitat for the endangered Central Victorian ant-blue butterfly.
The Nature Fund will also back projects that advance the self-determination of Victoria’s First Peoples— with $1.9 million allocated to six projects led by Aboriginal organisations within the program’s Caring for Country stream.