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CARING FOR OUR COUNTRY BUSINESS PLAN 201011 2

Commonwealth of Australia 2010

Selected passages and maps may be

reproduced provided due acknowledgement is

made. Permission will be required for the

reproduction of any photographs.

The Australian Government acting through the

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage

and the Arts and the Department of Agriculture,

Fisheries and Forestry has exercised due care

and skill in the preparation and compilation of

the information set out in this publication.

Notwithstanding, the Australian Government, its

employees and advisers disclaim all liability,

including liability for negligence, for any loss,

damage, injury, expense or cost incurred by any

person as a result of accessing, using or relying

upon any of the information in this publication to

the maximum extent permitted by the law.

Printed on recycled paper

Ministers forewordThe first full year of Caring for our Country, 200910, saw a resounding level of interest from all the groups and

individuals working to improve the environment through this exciting government initiative. Across Australia,

landholders, environment, community and industry groups, farmers and other individuals came forward with a

diverse range of proposals aimed at taking positive actions to improve the ongoing sustainable management of

Australias natural resources.

We are especially encouraged by the Australian communitys response to Caring for our Country. More than

$455 million has been approved for single-year and multi-year projects under the 200910 business plan. This

investment supported regional natural resource management organisations and non-government

organisations, involving over 1200 community groups and around 12 000 landholders.

When we released the first Caring for our Country business plan in 2008, we described it as a call to action to

the Australian community. Together we are addressing the challenges that face the health of our natural

environment and productive farmlands. The interdependence of our natural and productive environments

means that success requires engaging people from all walks of life. Farmers, Indigenous organisations, non-

government organisations and natural resource management bodies and community groups all deliver Caringfor our Country projects.

Caring for our Country is part of a broader government initiative to improve the environment and the

sustainability of resource-using industries. For example, the priorities for investment and revised targets

included in this business plan reinforce our continued support for the Landcare movement. They align closely

with work being undertaken to develop a new national biodiversity strategy and native vegetation framework;

and complement the governments national water, carbon pollution reduction and climate change adaptation

initiatives.

Caring for our Country has clear, measurable targets which focus effort to most effectively improve Australias

natural environments and help ensure our farmlands remain viable into the future. The support and effort of the

Australian community is crucial to the success of Caring for our Country

in protecting and restoring our natural and productive environments.

We are grateful for the wealth of feedback on this new initiative. The 201011 business plan has been greatly

enriched through your comments and insights. This business plan continues to provide scope for a wide range

of organisations to develop and deliver proposals. New ways are provided for stakeholders to be involved in

the business plan, such as through expressions of interest for specific activities. These new approaches will

help stakeholders to best direct their skills and knowledge to most effect.

Australians have a deep and abiding commitment to the health of their land. The 201011 Caring for our

Country business plan provides the opportunity to strengthen the actions and partnerships that this

commitment deserves.

We look forward to the communitys continuing engagement in Caring for our Country.

The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP

Minister for the Environment,

Heritage and the Arts

The Hon Tony Burke MP

Minister for Agriculture,

Fisheries and Forestry

Contents

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Ministers foreword 3

SECTION 1 Introduction 5

1.1 CARING FOR OUR COUNTRY 6

1.2 AIM OF THE 201011 BUSINESS PLAN 7

1.3 BUDGET 8

1.4 HOW WE WILL INVEST DIFFERENT APPROACHES 12

1.5 BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS 15

1.6 SUPPORTING MAPS AND OTHER INFORMATION 18

SECTION 2 Priorities for investment 21

2.1 NATIONAL RESERVE SYSTEM 23

2.2 BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL ICONS 32

2.3 COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS AND CRITICAL AQUATIC HABITATS 502.4 SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES 67

2.5 NORTHERN AND REMOTE AUSTRALIA 75

2.6 COMMUNITY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ENGAGEMENT 78

SECTION 3 How to apply 85

3.1 SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL 86

3.2 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 91

3.3 ASSESSMENT PROCESS 92

3.4 CONDITIONS OF GRANT 94

SECTION 4 Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement 95

4.1 MEASURES OF SUCCESS 96

4.2 COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS 97

SECTION 5 Additional resources 98

5.1 GLOSSARY 99

5.2 ACRONYMS 103

5.3 APPENDIX 104

Section 1Introduction

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1.1 Caring for our Country

Caring for our Country is anAustralian Government initiativethat seeks to achieve anenvironment that is healthy, betterprotected, well-managed, resilient,and provides essential ecosystem

services in a changing climate.Australias natural environment the life in our

rivers, lands and seas is fundamental to our

economy, well-being and national identity. Our

natural environment provides the basis for our ability

to support human life.

Australias natural environment is in decline.

We have suffered the largest decline in biodiversity

of any continent over the past 200 years and our

rate of decline remains one of the highest in the

world.

The most severe symptoms of this include loss of

species, fragmentation of native habitats, reduced

productive capacity and economic losses that are

felt across the entire community.

In addition, the environmental services we rely on

are at risk from climate change and from

decisions and actions that threaten our critical

aquatic systems, water quality, biodiversity,

rich marine life, coasts, soils, vegetation cover and

land.

Essential ecosystem services include protected

biodiversity, clean air and water and healthy soils

which support sustainable food and fibre industries.

At the same time there is increasing pressure

to maintain rural economies and food and

fibre production against the background

of a changing climate.

The government has already responded decisively to

climate change and water availability, with a range of

initiatives in place to address these issues that

complement Caring for our Country.

Caring for our Country aims to protect and restore

our unique and valuable environment by focusing on

six national priority areas: the National Reserve

System, biodiversity and natural icons, coastalenvironments and critical aquatic habitats,

sustainable farm practices, natural resource

management in northern and remote Australia, and

community skills, knowledge and engagement.

Over the first five years Caring for our Country will

provide over $2 billion in funding.

To date, more than $1.3 billion (including more than

$455 million under the 200910 business plan) has

been approved for investment in environmental

protection and sustainable practice single and multi-

year projects.

To ensure these funds are invested in the best way

across the highest priorities, in 2008 the government

announced the Caring for our Country five-year

outcomes. Details of these are available on the

Caring for our Country website at www.nrm.gov.au.

To further guide investments, detailed shorter-term

targets are identified in each annual business plan,

setting out the key elements necessary to meet the

five-year outcomes.

This current business plan identifies the targets and

investment focus for the third year of Caring for our

Country.

An annual Caring for our Country report card will

identify progress against these outcomes and targets

so that achievements can be tracked and measured.

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1.2 Aim of the 201011business plan

The current business plan sets outthe targets for investment in201011 and following years toensure we stay on track toachieving the governments five-year Caring for our Country

outcomes.The business plan provides guidance to potential

applicants on the types of proposals which the

Australian Government is seeking to fund to address

these targets.

This business plan continues to build on the

governments investment of more than $455 million

to individuals and groups under the 200910

business plan for work to meet Caring for our

Countrys outcomes.

In response to feedback received, some targets

have been revised and there is added flexibility

around the investment approach used for some

targets.

We have retained many of the targets from

the previous business plan because there remains a

strong case for continued investment in these areas.

We have also incorporated some new targets to

reflect changes to the governments investment

focus this year.

In addition, the business plan takes account of Caring

for our Country investment which has already

occurred. Consequently no proposals are sought this

coming year for a small number of 200910 targets

where substantial funding has previously been

announced.

For example, there is no call in this business plan for

projects to address impacts of particular invasivespecies such as cane toads, exotic rodents on small

islands and camels, all of which received substantial

support through the last business plan.

The 201011 business plan outlines a range of

investment approaches, to more effectively meet the

needs of stakeholders and to help ensure that we

achieve the Caring for our Country five-year

outcomes.

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1.3 Budget

Up to $171 million will be availablefor investment under the 201011Caring for our Country businessplan. An additional $138 millionis allocated each year as base-levelfunding to regional natural resource

management organisations.

Funding so farCaring for our Country provides a sustained, long

term commitment to achieve meaningful and

targeted results for our environment and sustainable

agriculture.

The Australian Government has provided over

$2 billion for the first five years of Caring for our

Country, of which more than $1.3 billion is already

approved for investment in single and multi-year

projects for environment protection and sustainable

agriculture across Australia, including:

more than $450 million in base-level funding

for regional natural resource management

(NRM) organisations

$77.2 million to expand the National

Reserve System, including Indigenous

Protected Areas

$63.1 million for Landcare grants to improve

sustainable agriculture

over $22 million in grants for critical aquatic

habitats

over $37 million in grants for biodiversity

protection

$99.2 million for the Reef Rescue election

commitment

$10 million to support research into the

Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease

$5.25 million to improve water quality in the

Gippsland Lakes and Eastern Creek

Wetlands

$8.66 million to improve water quality in the

Tuggerah Lakes Estuary

$41.5 million for the Community Coastcare

election commitment

$27.3 million for Environmental Stewardship

Program projects to protect endangered

ecological communities in New South Wales

and Queensland.

Working with state governmentsThe Australian Government has also been working

jointly with state governments to implement a

number of ongoing activities that contribute to Caring

for our Country outcomes and targets (funding is

included in the $1.3 billion), including:

$17 million over five years (or $3.4 million

per year) to manage and protect the

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

$13.5 million over five years (or $2.7 million

per year) to manage and protect the Wet

Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area

$2 million since 200809 towards fox

eradication in Tasmania

over $3 million since 200809 for national

coordination of the Australian Weeds

Strategy, Weeds of National Significance

Strategy and the Australian Pest Animal

Strategy

over $11 million since 200809 to help

eradicate Red Imported Fire Ants and

Electric Ants and prevent them becoming

established pests

$9.2 million over five years to eradicate

rabbits and rodents that are causing

extensive damage to World Heritage listed

Macquarie Island.

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Multi-year projectsMany successful proposals under Caring for our

Country have funding approved for multi-year

projects.

This commitment to multi-year projects provides

greater long term certainty to project managers and

allows for better planning to improve on-ground

outcomes.

This also means that some funding in 201011 and

remaining years has already been committed.

Funding for the 201011business planWe are seeking submissions for single or multi-year

funding through the 201011 Caring for our Country

business plan.

Investment will be available through various

approaches, including through an open call and

expression of interest processes.

Table 1 provides information on the 201011

notional multi-year budget and details the

split between each national priority area and

provides a snapshot of the overall expected spread

funding available through the business plan and

other processes.

Table 1: Caring for our Country 201011 notional multi-year budget

NationalPriorityArea

Notional Budget Split Notional Multi-YearBudget Available

NationalReserve

System

Expanding the National Reserve System $38 million

Expanding Indigenous Protected Areas $10 million

Biodiversity

and Natural

Icons

Environmental Stewardship Program $10 million

Protection of environmental values in and around

World Heritage Areas, including securing management

arrangements

$6 million

Increasing native habitat and reducing the impact of

invasive species

$6 million

Coastal

Environments

and Critical

Aquatic

Habitats

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef including $9 million

for research and development proposals

$49 million

Community Coastcare to improve water quality in

coastal hotspots and increase community participation

in protecting and rehabilitating coastal environments

$29 million

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Sustaining the environmental values of Ramsar

wetlands and high conservation value aquatic

ecosystems

$7 million

Sustainable

Farm

Practices

Sustainable practices projects $15 million

Community

Skills,

Knowledge

and

Targets in this priority area will be delivered via projects addressing

targets in other national priority areas. Community Action Grants are

also available to support community groups to undertake projects in

Engagement other Caring for our Country national priority areas.

Northern and

Remote

Australia

Funding for northern and remote Australia is delivered through several targets and activities

under other Caring for our Country national priority areas

These notional budgets may, however, change

depending on the quality of applications received

under the business plan for each national priority

area.

Regional NRM organisations are allocated $138

million per year in base-level funding under Caring

for our Country.

Table 2 shows how regional NRM organisations

applied their base-level funding received in 200810

against each of the Caring for our Country national priority areas.

Regional NRM organisations will continue to use their base-level funding to contribute to the Caring for our

Country outcomes and targets. For more information on the role of regional NRM organisations see Section

1.5.

Table 2: Regional NRM organisations base-level allocations

National PriorityArea

How regional NRM organisations have appliedtheir base-level funding

200809 200910

National Reserve System $207 300 $1 114 479

Biodiversity and Natural Icons $51 204 528 $37 184 855

Coastal Environments and Critical

Aquatic Habitats

$34 928 499 $16 286 597

Sustainable Farm Practices $34 235 713 $35 922 969

Note: Notional budgets are approximate and described in whole millions.

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Community Skills, Knowledge and

Engagement *

$38 423 960 $21 538 615

Core Operating Costs

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and

Improvement **

$17 929 395

TOTAL $159 000 000 $129 976 910 ***

Notes:

* Regional NRM organisations play an important role in engaging the public in natural resource management issues through arange of community skills, knowledge and engagement investments.

** Investment on core operating costs and on monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement were specifically identified from

200910 onwards.

*** Amount allocated to date from the total regional base-level funding of $138 million for 200910.

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1.4 How we will invest different approaches

Caring for our Country will use amix of investment approachesdesigned to most effectively deliveron each target and achieveidentified outcomes.

It is important that proponents understand the range

of ways they can engage with the AustralianGovernment through Caring for our Country.

Caring for our Country provides funding for a broad

range of sustainable land management and

environmental protection work.

We believe it is important to be flexible in designing

how to best deliver on certain targets and in

selecting the most appropriate investment

approaches to meet the needs of specific

stakeholder groups.

We recognise that groups will work at different

scales to achieve Caring for our Country outcomes

and a variety of investment approaches are

required. In some cases a negotiated investment

approach is available in order to ensure the best

outcome.

The range of investment approaches available will

help proponents to direct their efforts and time as

effectively as possible when seeking funding.

The investment approach applicable to each target

is outlined in Section 2. For some targets more thanone investment approach is available to distribute

funding.

The variety in approaches to investment means that

closing dates for the submission of applications and

expressions of interest will vary depending on the

particular approach taken.

The application closing dates which apply to each

approach are summarised at Section 3, along with

details on how to apply and how proposals will be

assessed.

The different types of investment approaches are

outlined below.

Open call for proposalsIn the 201011 business plan investment proposals

are invited through the open call which have a total

value ranging from $20 000 to $1.5 million.

The exception to the $1.5 million cap is for landacquisition proposals under the National Reserve

System where land value is a factor.

This open call is the principal way in which funding

for projects can be sought under this business plan

and allows a large and diverse number of groups

and organisations an opportunity to obtain funding.

For example, proponents can submit open call

applications to address targets related to Ramsar

wetlands, coastal hotspots, the National Reserve

System, coastal community engagement, Landcareand Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.

Proponents are encouraged to plan their own project

to meet these Caring for our Country targets.

However, for proposals for more complex

acquisitions to the National Reserve System that are

underpinned by comprehensive bioregional planning,

the strategy supporting the application must be

negotiated and agreed with the Australian

Government before it is submitted.

Co-investment opportunitiesA specific opportunity is provided through the open

call for proposals which require matching cash

co-investment.

This recognises the opportunities which exist for

proponents to work with and secure corporate

sponsorship to enhance their funding bids and

increase the outcomes for Caring for our Country.

Proponents must identify corporations or

philanthropic organisations who are prepared to

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co-invest with the Australian Government in specific

activities that meet the targets of this business plan.

These proposals will require a specific commitment

in writing from the co-investors.

Under this approach, Caring for our Country

will invest up to $2 million in total through the 2010

11 business plan and is looking to fund up to four

proposals that bring with them a matching corporate

and/or philanthropic organisation contribution.

We have a particular interest in proposals that

address one of the following:

integrate cost-effective mechanisms for

linking remnant habitats that are critical for

the persistence of threatened species or

ecological communities in circumstanceswhere landscape fragmentation or other

pressures remain a significant risk

improve the long term persistence of forest-

dependent mammals, such as koalas,

through retention and restoration of habitat

and by management practices on public

and private land that protect and extend

suitable habitat, including in urban and peri-

urban environments

encourage sustainable practices and whole-

of-supply-chain activities that areenvironmentally responsible. This can be

achieved through corporate partners

promoting and encouraging farmers and

fishers to adopt sustainable practices.

Expression of interest approachesIn addition to the open call, expressions of interest

are called for sustainable practices proposals

against four identified project categories which will

improve the resource condition across large

geographic areas, or engage large numbers of

farmers/fishers across a particular land use type or

fishery.

Under this approach Caring for our Country will

invest in up to five projects which each have a total

value (over three years) of between $300 000 and

$1.5 million. For more information see Section 2.4.

An expression of interest approach is also used

under the Environmental Stewardship Program (see

Section 2.2) and the Protecting the Reef Reef

water quality research and development component

(see Section 2.3).

This approachwill allow the Australian Government

to work more closely with proponents where both the

outcome and activities being sought for investment

are closely defined.

A key advantage of this approach is that proponentswill receive early feedback about the viability of their

proposal. Investment proposals will still be

competitively assessed.

Regional investmentThe Australian Government remains committed to

providing the identified regional organisations in the

56 natural resource management (NRM) regions

with secure base-level funding until 201213. Details

of this funding are provided in Section 1.3.

Under the 201011 business plan regional NRM

organisations will submit expressions of interest

proposals for their base-level funding (see

Section 3.1).

Base-level investments must directly deliver on

Caring for our Country targets relevant within their

regions. Regional NRM organisations can also seek

Caring for our Country funding via other investment

approaches to achieve further outcomes.For more information on regional NRM organisations

see Section 1.5.

Community Action GrantsUnder Community Action Grants, amounts of

$5000 to $20 000 are available to environmental,

Indigenous and sustainable agriculture community

groups for activities which contribute to Caring for

our Country national priorities.

It is anticipated that the 201011 Community Action

Grants round will open for applications in July 2010.

For more information on Community Action Grants

see Section 2.6.

One-off environment recoveryresponsesThe Australian Government may consider assisting

in the recovery of the natural environment from the

sudden and extreme impacts of natural disasters,

where this aligns with Caring for our Country targets

and outcomes and there is the capacity to achieve a

positive outcome for the environment.

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Arrangements for such assistance would

be considered on a case by case basis and would

be advised separately as required.

They would not duplicate other programs available

to address natural disasters such as under theNatural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements

and would not be available to provide business

assistance to affected industries.

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1.5 Building partnerships

Caring for our Country is bestdelivered by a diverse rangeof stakeholders and a variety ofmechanisms. Achieving a healthy,better protected, well-managed andresilient environment requires us to

combine our experience,knowledge, skills and capacity.

The Australian Government is keen to support

projects that are delivered by parties working

together in partnership where this adds value and

more effectively delivers on our targets.

A proposal underpinned by a strong partnership

should capture a wide pool of knowledge and skills

and bring together those particular networks of

people and resources essential to the projects

success.

We are keen to foster partnership projects where

each partner adds value and it makes sense in

terms of the outcome sought.

Equally, where they have the capacity and

experience to undertake the activity and a

partnership would not add value, proponents

are welcome to bring forward proposals which

do not involve a partnership.

What are partnerships?A partnership involves two or more groups withcomplementary skills that work together

(collaborate) to effectively plan and deliver

a project.

A partnership is more than just consultation

it is the commitment of groups to play an

essential role in delivering a project and remain

actively involved until it is completed.

Each partnership project will have a nominated lead

proponent and supporting/additional project

partners.

Details of each partner will be required in the

application form and we may also seek further

evidence and confirmation of their commitment.

Collaborative projects can be at different scales

state, regional or local. This can involve two or more

state bodies, regional natural resource management

(NRM) organisations, businesses or local groups

working together to achieve the same goal.

Potential partnershipsRegional NRM organisations

Regional NRM organisations play a central role in

delivering Caring for our Country at the regional

scale.

The identified regional organisations in the

56 NRM regions work in partnership with farmers,

landholders and community groups, non-government

and Indigenous organisations, governments and

businesses to secure both our farming resourcebase and our unique environment into the future.

They provide support and access to knowledge and

skills for landholders, Coastcare and Landcare

groups and the broader community.

They also work with local and state governments to

deliver region-wide solutions and maintain the

capacity of the regional community to address the

Australian Governments targets.

Regional NRM organisations can coordinate the

local community, facilitate partnerships with privatesector investors and provide linkages for non-

government organisations and other parties that will

add significant value to the Australian Governments

investments.

They are an important potential partner for a large

number of interested stakeholder groups and

organisations in delivering Caring for our Country,

and have responsibilities under Caring for our

Country to provide support to community groups and

organisations.

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We encourage groups and organisations to contact

their regional NRM organisation to discuss potential

project partnerships or other funding opportunities.

Under Caring for our Country the identified regional

organisations in the 56 NRM regions have beenprovided with an annual base-level allocation of

$138 million.

Multi-year base-level allocations provide them with

the certainty to plan and undertake longer term

activities consistent with Caring for our Country

targets and outcomes.

Government

State and territory governments have their own

priorities for investment in the management of

natural resources. Some jurisdictions have a stateNRM plan that guides their own processes.

Local government also has a range of functions and

responsibilities that directly support local

communities and deliver sustainable approaches to

land-use and natural resource planning and

management.

Where other government priorities overlap or align

with the Caring for our Country targets, the

Australian Government is keen to pool resources

and coordinate effort to ensure the best results are

delivered.

The Australian Government recognises and

welcomes the wide range of technical and

operational expertise that these partners bring to

integrated projects.

State, territory and local governments are already

working with regional NRM organisations to deliver

Caring for our Country in many parts of Australia.

Contact your regional NRM organisation to discover

where these partnerships already exist.

Indigenous

Indigenous people have significant and unique

knowledge and skills in land and sea management

relevant to the delivery of many Caring for our

Country targets.

This knowledge is essential in delivering some

Caring for our Country targets, such as the recording

of traditional ecological knowledge and developing

land and sea country plans, and Indigenous groups

are essential providers or partners in such projects.

In addition, Indigenous people are ideally placed in

many areas to assist in the delivery of Caring for our

Country targets more generally and it is expected

that, where it makes sense to do so, all proposals

through this business plan will explore and address

opportunities for Indigenous people to participate in

the delivery of the targets.

For more information about partnership opportunities

with Indigenous people see Section 2.6.

Community groups

Community groups and networks, including

Indigenous communities, Landcare, industry,

waterwatch, threatened species networks and

Coastcare groups, have been the backbone of on-

ground delivery in environmental protection and

sustainable resource use for many years and theycontinue to be supported under Caring for our

Country.

Community groups can enter into a partnership with

a sponsor organisation who becomes the contractual

party, leaving the community group members free to

put their time and skills to project delivery.

Community groups and networks seeking smaller

amounts of funding are encouraged to contact their

local regional NRM organisation to discuss local

grant options (devolved grants) or to identify other

groups they could partner with to submit a larger

proposal.

Community Action Grants are also available to

community groups. It is anticipated that the 201011

Community Action Grants round will open for

applications in July 2010. For more information on

Community Action Grants see Section 2.6.

Non-government groups

The Australian Government also encourages

non-government organisations (NGOs) to seek

partnerships to achieve Caring for our Countrytargets.

NGOs are an important resource in the delivery of

long-term results, often providing specialist skills and

knowledge in specific areas of environmental

protection and sustainable landscape management.

NGOs can play a particular role in the

delivery of Caring for our Country, in actions

to mobilise public support, engage volunteers and

attract corporate contributions.

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Businessand industryThere is an increased focus by the business and

industry sector on issues such as climate change

adaptation, supply chain and corporate social

responsibility.

Such sustainability initiatives undertaken within the

business and industry sector provide opportunities

for partnerships that directly contribute to the

achievement of Caring for our Country outcomes.

Specific co-investment opportunities have also been

identified for proponents to work with and secure

financial support from corporate organisations to

enhance their funding bids. For more information

see Section 1.4.

Business and industry organisations can partnerwith regional NRM organisations, local government

and state government agencies, NGOs, local

community groups, research institutions or

Indigenous organisations.

The Australian Government is encouraging

partnerships between such organisations where

their activities will directly contribute to achieving

Caring for our Country targets.

Roles and responsibilities of

regional NRM organisationsBase-level allocations

Each of the identified regional organisations in the

56 NRM regions are invited to submit proposals to

access their base-level allocation.

These proposals must address the targets and the

scope of eligible activities which are outlined for

regional NRM organisations.

In 201011 regional NRM organisations are invited

to submit an expression of interest for their available

base-level allocation, identifying how their proposedactivities address targets in this business plan.

The Australian Government is seeking significant

investment in engaging Indigenous communities

through base-level allocations, identifying how their

proposed activities address targets in this business

plan.

Regional NRM organisations are well placed to

interact with Indigenous groups and increase

Indigenous participation in environmental protection

and natural resource management at a regional and

local scale.

Wherever possible, Indigenous communities should

be involved in the delivery of regional programs to

address Caring for our Country targets.

All base-level allocation expression of interest

proposals should outline how regions will engageand support the community, including local groups

such as Landcare and Coastcare, whilst delivering

on the Caring for our Country targets.

It is expected that regional programs will:

assist local communities, including

environment, Indigenous, Landcare and

Coastcare groups, to access knowledge and

skills in managing natural resources, using

mechanisms such as providing easily

accessible, free information to groups and

individuals, or providing training for local groups

provide support for community groups

to undertake local projects, for example

through provision of devolved grants

schemes, or provision of facilitation/

coordination services.

For more information on how to develop an

expression of interest for regional base-level

allocation see Section 3.1.

Open callRegional NRM organisations can also submit

proposals for open call investments in addition to

their base-level allocations. Particularly where they

can leverage significant contributions through real

partnerships with key stakeholders in their regions.

Regional NRM organisations are also well placed to

develop multi-regional and cross-jurisdictional

projects.

These open call proposals will be considered the

same as any other proposals through the open call

and must be limited to the focus and scope of eligible

activities described for each target in the open call

section of the business plan.

Proposals submitted by regional NRM organisations

through the open call must use the same online

application form provided for all open call

proponents. For more information on preparing a

proposal see Section 3.1.

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1.6 Supporting maps andother information

A range of maps are availableto help in preparing proposalsunder the Caring for our Country201011 business plan.

These contain the best information currently

available Australia-wide on the location of the areas

and issues targeted for Caring for our Countryinvestment.

For some targets there are specific geographic

locations, such as Ramsar wetlands. Proponents are

strongly advised to consult the maps first to ensure

their proposal is within the correct geographic area

identified for Caring for our Country investments

where relevant.

Maps are available to view online at the Caring for

our Country website and are also available on anaccompanying CD to the hard copy document. To

arrange delivery of the CD please contact us on

1800 552 008.

Example of a national map

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Maps have been produced at three different spatial

scales, appropriate to the range of investments, the

target focus under Caring for our Country and the

data available.

National mapsThese are at a national scale to show distributions

across Australia, of:

bioregions under-represented in the

National Reserve System

extent of threatened ecological communities

(predominantly native vegetation)

extent of threatened species, mammals,

reptiles, birds and flora

priority state managed World HeritageAreas

distribution of Weeds of National

Significance

location of priority Ramsar wetland,

high conservation value aquatic ecosystem

and coastal hotspot sites.

State mapsMaps at the state level provide more detailed

information on indicative distribution of threatened

ecological communities (predominantly native

vegetation) in QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and WA.

Example of a state map

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Site mapsMore detailed site-specific maps are provided for

priority Ramsar wetland, high conservation value

aquatic ecosystem and coastal hotspot sites.

Maps are available from the Caring for our Country

website at www.nrm.gov.au. For a full list of

available maps see Appendix.

Example of a site map

Other informationThe range of supporting information provides

essential guidance for proponents in developing

applications for this business plan. This information

includes site specific information for World Heritage

Areas, the National Weeds Strategy and conditions

around funding under the National Reserve System.

It also covers information developed specifically to

focus investment under this business plan, such as

specific site investment guides for priority Ramsar

wetlands and critical aquatic ecosystems. Furtherdetails of this supporting information are contained

in relevant areas of Section 2.

Maps are available from the Caring for our Countrywebsite at www.nrm.gov.au. For a list of available

maps see Appendix.

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Section 2Priorities for investment

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2.0 Priorities for investment

A series of short-term Caringfor our Country targets havebeen developed that will helpto prioritise Caring for our Countryinvestments and deliver thefive-year outcomes by 2013.

Details of the Caring for ourCountry outcomes are available atwww.nrm.gov.au.

The following information outlines the targets for

which investment proposals are currently being

sought.

It is important that this information is carefully

considered before an investment proposal is

prepared. It includes the rationale, targeted

investment approaches, priority locations and

activities, and eligibility criteria for each target whereappropriate.

This information has been prepared for each Caring

for our Country target to assist in developing

proposals. This information is provided on the Caring

for our Country website at www.nrm.gov.au

alongside relevant maps and other supporting

information.

Definitions of terms are in the glossary at the end of

the business plan. It is important that proponents

refer to these definitions.

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National Reserve

System

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2.1 National Reserve System

The Australian Government hasboosted funding for the NationalReserve System with $180 millionover five years as part of Caring forour Country. The National ReserveSystem will help to conserve

Australias distinctive landscapes,plants and animals through acomprehensive, adequate andrepresentative system of reservesacross Australia.

Notional multi-year budget available under the

201011 business plan $48 million ($38 million

for the National Reserve System in 201011;

$10 million for Indigenous Protected Areas)*

Table 3: National Reserve System

Fiveyear

outcomes

Targets Summary of investment

approaches

Expand the area that is

protected within the

National Reserve

System to at least

125 million hectares (a

25 per cent increase),

with priority to be given

to increasing the area

that is protected in

under-represented

bioregions.

Increasing the NationalReserve System

To increase the area that is

protected within the National

Reserve System by at least

five million hectares a year

(including Indigenous

Protected Areas) with a

priority in under-represented

bioregions.

Open call proposals

1. Financial assistance is available to buy land

for new reserves through:

a) applications for one-off purchases of

properties that offer high biodiversity values

for protection; and

b) more complex proposals based on a

package of landscape scale acquisition

projects that are underpinned by

comprehensive large scale bioregionalplanning. Before submitting an application,

the detailed strategy underpinning these

more complex applications must be first

negotiated and agreed with the Australian

Government to ensure the proposal will

achieve National Reserve System priorities.

2. Financial assistance is also available for

proposals to establish perpetual conservation

covenants on private land that transfer with

title. These covenants must be primarily

aimed at protecting biodiversity values.

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Expand the contributionof Indigenous ProtectedAreas to the NationalReserve System bybetween 8 and16 million hectares (an

increase of al least40 per cent).

Increasing IndigenousProtected Areas

To increase the area ofIndigenous-owned landdeclared as Indigenous

Protected Areas andmanaged as part of theNational Reserve System byat least two million hectares ayear.

Separate application form available on Caringfor our Country website

The Australian Government is calling for proposalfrom Indigenous organisations to:

1. investigate the establishment of Indigenous

Protected Areas on their land and supportlandowners to find out more about howIndigenous Protected Areas work anddevelop a plan of management that outlineshow Indigenous owners want to protect thevalues on their lands; and/or

2. support the development ofco-management arrangements for existingstate and territory managed protected areas.

Potential applicants should call the IndigenousProtected Area section to discuss their proposal. Theapplication form can be accessed online at theCaring for our Country website at www.nrm.gov.au.

Note: each new Indigenous Protected Area projectwill contribute to the target to use traditionalecological knowledge in the development ofmanagement plans.

Ensure the continueduse, support, andreinvigoration oftraditional ecologicalknowledge to underpinbiodiversityconservation.

Increasing Indigenousbest management practice

To use traditional ecologicalknowledge in thedevelopment of managementplans in at least 32 newlyinitiated Indigenous ProtectedArea projects over threeyears.
http://www.nrm.gov.au/http://www.nrm.gov.au/

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Increasing the National Reserve System

Why the National ReserveSystem is a priority

Establishing a well managed, comprehensive,

adequate and representative National Reserve

System meets an important international obligation

for Australia under the 1993 Convention on

Biological Diversity. Areas within the National

Reserve System are protected and managed for

biodiversity conservation outcomes for current and

future generations.

Protected areas are the cornerstone of Australias

biodiversity conservation effort. Enhancing and

expanding the protected area network is seen as an

effective strategy for reducing threats to biodiversity

and assisting the adaptation of Australias native

biodiversity to climate change.

The Australian Government will work with state and

territory governments, Indigenous groups,

conservation organisations and other landholders to

ensure protected areas are added rapidly to theNational Reserve System in under-represented

bioregions that have less than 10 per cent of their

remaining area currently protected in reserves (see

Table 4).

Table 4: Under-represented bioregions

Avon Wheatbelt Davenport Murchison Ranges Nandewar

Brigalow Belt North Darling Riverine Plains Naracoorte Coastal Plain

Brigalow Belt South Einasleigh Uplands New England Tablelands

Broken Hill Complex Finke NSW South Western Slopes

Burt Plain Flinders Lofty Block Pilbara

Central Arnhem Great Sandy Desert Riverina

Channel Country Gulf Plains South East Coastal Plain

Central Kimberley Little Sandy Desert Stony Plains

Cobar Peneplain Mitchell Grass Downs Sturt Plateau

Daly Basin Mount Isa Inlier Tasmanian Northern Midlands

Desert Uplands Mulga Lands Victorian Volcanic PlainDampierland Murchison

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What is the National ReserveSystem?Australias National Reserve System is a nation-

wide network of reserves and protected areas

especially set up to protect Australias unique natural

environment for current and future generations. The

aim of the National Reserve System is to protect a

comprehensive range of examples of ecosystems

and other important environmental values within

each of Australias 85 bioregions. Each bioregion is

a large area of similar climate, geology, landform

and vegetation features such as the Australian Alps,

the Nullarbor Plain or the Wet Tropics. Development

of a comprehensive, adequate and representative

National Reserve System is guided by science.

TargetIncreasing the National Reserve System

To increase the area that is protected within the

National Reserve System by at least five million

hectares a year (including Indigenous Protected

Areas) with a priority in under-represented

bioregions.

Investment approachesThere are two types of investment approaches

relevant to the National Reserve System.

1. Financial assistance to buy land for newreserves

The Australian Government will provide up to

two-thirds of the cost of purchasing an approved

property that is identified as available for voluntary

sale. This property will then be owned and managed

as part of the National Reserve System by the

landholder.

There are two ways to apply for this financial

assistance.

a) Applications are invited for investment proposals

for one-off purchases of properties that offer high

biodiversity values for protection.

Applications for this type of proposal can be

completed online via the Caring for our Country

website at www.nrm.gov.au. Applications must

be submitted by 15 April 2010.

b) More complex proposals based on a package of

landscape scale acquisition projects that are

underpinned by comprehensive large scale

bioregional planning may also be submitted. The

detailed strategy underpinning these more

complex applications must first be negotiated and

agreed with the Australian Government to ensure

they will achieve National Reserve System

priorities.

These proposals are solely intended for delivery

of National Reserve System priorities and

outcomes and will be competitively assessed on

this basis.

Proponents for this type of application should

email [email protected] to arrange to

discuss their proposal and be supplied with the

relevant application form. Applications must be

submitted by 15 April 2010.

2. Financial assistance to establish perpetualconservation covenants on private land

Covenanting organisations can access support to

help landholders voluntarily establish perpetual

conservation covenants on privately owned land if

this land is a priority for addition to the National

Reserve System. Perpetual conservation covenants

that transfer with title is a key requirement for

addition to the National Reserve System.

Applications for this type of proposal can be

completed online via the Caring for our Country

website at www.nrm.gov.au. Applications must besubmitted by 15 April 2010.

Investment scope1. Financial assistance to buy land for new

reserves

Proposals to purchase priority land and establish a

protected area or a reserve for biodiversity

conservation, including:

up to two-thirds of the purchase price

of a property

registration costs of establishing a perpetualconservation covenant

case by case assessment of proposals to

provide initial on-ground works to ensure

protection of biodiversity values under

immediate threat, for example, fencing to

exclude stock

costs of developing a management plan

where this is considered to be outside the

core business of the landholder.

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2. Financial assistance to establish perpetualconservation covenants on private land

Priority will be given to proposals for covenanting

activities that will lead to or achieve on-ground

establishment of conservation covenants that meetstandards for inclusion in the National Reserve

System.

Eligible activities may also include:

development and operation of projects to

broker and register perpetual conservation

covenants with private landholders with the

primary aim of protecting biodiversity values

registration costs of establishing a perpetual

conservation covenant

case by case assessment of projects toprovide initial on-ground works to ensure

protection of biodiversity values under

immediate threat, for example, fencing to

exclude stock

costs of developing a management plan

where this is considered to be outside the

core business of the landholder.

Exclusions and ineligible activitiesFunding is not available for the following:

establishment of revolving funds to

establish perpetual conservation covenants

for properties to be on-sold

incentive payments and the costs of

ongoing management activities to private

landholders

covenanting activities that are normally

the core business of state, territory or

regional bodies.

Developing your proposalAll proposals will be assessed according to how well

they address the National Reserve System priorities.

While the majority of the target investment is

directed to helping buy land for new reserves, funds

will be allocated to those proposals that most

successfully meet the following priorities:

focus on securing better protection of

under-represented bioregions that have

less than 10 per cent of their area protected

in the National Reserve System (see key

information sources and Table 4)

contribute to the conservation of matters

of national environmental significance

add to the representativeness of the


improve resilience and ecological

connectivity within the landscape and assist

capacity for biodiversity to adapt to climatechange

ensure the area contributes to the

adequate protection of the ecological

viability and integrity of populations,

species and ecological communities

at a bioregional scale

add areas that have significant biodiversity

values such as high diversity of ecosystems

or species, or contain significant habitat for

rare, migratory or threatened species

identify areas based upon a strategicassessment of reserve options and meet

key reserve system design criteria

consider and address Indigenous interests,

socio-economic interests and scientific

importance

are feasible in terms of an areas availability

and cost-effective in terms of acquisition,

establishment and management

demonstrate the ability of the landholder to

manage and mitigate threatening processes

and ensure persistence of ecosystems andspecies over time.

Key information sources Map of under-represented bioregions is

available on the Caring for our Country

website at www.nrm.gov.au.

The following information can be accessed

online at www.environment.gov.au/

parks/nrs/getting-involved/funding.html

-

conditions for receiving NationalReserve System funding for land

purchase

- guide to completing the National

Reserve System application form for

land acquisitions in 201011

- conditions for receiving National

Reserve System funding for

covenanting activities on private land

- priorities for expansion of the National

Reserve System

-standards for inclusion in the NationalReserve System.

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Further information National Reserve System:

www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/index.

html.

Scientific framework for National Reserve

System selection of areas to be included

in the National Reserve System:

www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/

scientific-framework.html.

Australias Strategy for the National

Reserve System 20092030:

www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications

/nrs/nrsstrat.html.

Australian Guidelines for Establishing the

National Reserve System:

www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications

/nrs/guidelines.html.
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/

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Increasing Indigenous Protected Areas

Why Indigenous Protected Areasare a priority

The National Reserve System is a cornerstone

of Australias biodiversity conservation effort.

It protects Australias unique natural environment for

current and future generations. Indigenous

Protected Areas are a crucial part of the National

Reserve System. Working with Indigenous

communities who choose to manage their land for

conservation is critical to ensure the unique values

on Indigenous owned lands are protected.

Indigenous Protected Areas are areas of

land that are owned and managed by Indigenous

communities for the protection of their significant

natural and cultural values.

Expanding the Indigenous Protected Areas meets

Australias international obligation under the 1993

Convention on Biological Diversity.

TargetsIncreasing Indigenous Protected Areas

To increase the area of Indigenous-owned land

declared as Indigenous Protected Areas and

managed as part of the National Reserve System by

at least two million hectares a year.

Increasing Indigenous best managementpractice

To use traditional ecological knowledge in the

development of management plans in at least 32newly initiated Indigenous Protected Area projects

over three years.

Investment approachThe Australian Government is calling for proposals

from Indigenous organisations who want to

investigate the establishment of Indigenous

Protected Areas on their land.

Investment scopeFunding is available to support the proponent

Indigenous organisation and landowners to find out

more about how Indigenous Protected Areas work.

This includes consulting widely with Indigenous

people with an interest in the land and with

governments before deciding if they wish to declare

an Indigenous Protected Area.

Funding can also be used to develop a plan of

management which clearly explains the

management actions the Indigenous landowners

want to take to protect the values on their lands.

The total value of the proposal must be between

$20 000 and $1.5 million.

An agreed management plan is required before an

Indigenous Protected Area can be declared.

Funding is also available to support the development

of co-management arrangements for existing state

and territory managed protected areas.

Developing your proposalPriority will be given to proposals that:

identify the consultation process that will be

undertaken to ensure the aspirations of

traditional owners and other Aboriginal or

Torres Strait Islanders with interests in the

area will be included in planning for the area

include the development of a plan ofmanagement that combines traditional

ecological knowledge and contemporary

management practices for conservation

(each new Indigenous Protected Area

project will contribute to the target to include

traditional ecological knowledge in the

development of management plans)

focus on the establishment of Indigenous

Protected Areas in bioregions that have less

than 10 per cent of their area protected in

the National Reserve System

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contribute to the conservation of matters

of national environmental significance

add to the representativeness of the


improve resilience and ecologicalconnectivity within the landscape to assist

ecosystems to adapt to climate change

ensure greater adequacy of bioregions

by providing long-term and increased

security for one or more ecosystems and

associated species

demonstrate local community support

and the capacity of the organisation to

deliver the outcomes identified.

Funding is also available to support the developmentof co-management arrangements for existing state

and territory managed protected areas.

Proposals must:

demonstrate the support of the relevant

state or territory conservation agency

identify a consultation process that

ensures the involvement of all appropriate

Indigenous interests

set clear and measurable targets leading

to co-management outcomes.

These proposals are solely intended for delivery of

Indigenous Protected Area priorities and outcomes

and will be competitively assessed on this basis.

The application form for Indigenous Protected Area

funding can be accessed online via the Caring for

our Country website at www.nrm.gov.au. You can

download the application form. Forms need to be

submitted to [email protected].

Your proposal must be submitted by 15 April 2010.

Potential applicants should call the Indigenous

Protected Area section to first discuss their proposal

on 1800 552 008 or contact an Australian

Government Indigenous land management

facilitator.

Key information sources

Further information on Indigenous Protected

Areas can be accessed at

www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa. A map of under-represented bioregions is



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Biodiversity and

natural icons

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2.2 Biodiversity and natural icons

The Australian Government hasacknowledged the need to takeaction to protect our biodiversityand natural icons. Priorities forgovernment funding will includeprotecting World Heritage Areas,

tackling weeds and pest animalsthat threaten biodiversity, andimproving outcomes for nationallythreatened species andcommunities.

Notional multi-year budget available under the

201011 business plan $22 million ($10 million

for Environmental Stewardship Program in 201011;

$6 million for protecting the environmental values in

and around World Heritage Areas; $6 million for

increasing native habitat and reducing the impact of

invasive species)*

Table 5: Biodiversity and natural icons

Five-yearoutcomes

Targets Summary of investmentapproaches

Increase, by at least

one million hectares,

the area of native

habitat and

vegetation that is

managed to reduce

critical threats to

biodiversity and toenhance the

condition,

connectivity and

resilience of habitats

and landscapes.

This is additional to

the 125 million

hectares that is to

be protected within

the National

Reserve System.

Increasing native habitat

To increase by at least 600 000 hectares by

June 2013 the area of native habitat and

vegetation that is managed to reduce critical

threats to biodiversity and enhance the

condition, connectivity and resilience of

habitats and landscapes.

Environmental Stewardship Program

To secure at least 30 000 hectares of

nationally threatened ecological communities

through the Environmental Stewardship

Program by June 2011.

Open call proposals

We are calling for projects focused on

increasing native habitat. We will fund

projects across a range of sizes with an

upper limit of $1.5 million for any one

project over three years.

Expression of interest

Expressions of interest are sought for

the delivery agent for a single

Environmental Stewardship Programproject targeting specific nationallythreatened ecological communities in

South Australia.

Further information is available at

www.tenders.gov.au.

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Reduce the impact of invasive species:

in at least four priority areas to be defined through the annual Caring for our Country business plans.

Reducing the impact of vertebrate pest animals

Reduce or manage the impacts of vertebrate pest animals (specifically rabbits, feral pigs and wild dogs) to

maintain or improve biodiversity, aquatic ecosystem, World Heritage and sustainable practices outcomes. This

will allow regeneration and recovery of:

at least 10 000 hectares of native habitat that supports critically endangered, endangered and threatened

species and communities; and

at least 10 000 hectares of native vegetation on agricultural land by control of vertebrate pest animals over the

next three years.

Reducing the impact of weeds

To reduce the impact of Weeds of National Significance on high quality native vegetation on public and private

land (including agricultural land). Impact will be reduced by undertaking collaborative activities that control

outlier infestations, strengthen containment lines and/or bring core infestations under management control or

eradicate where feasible, to reduce the risk of new infestations.Open call proposals

We are calling for collaborative proposals between $20 000 to $300 000 in total over three years.

Secure management arrangements for all World Heritage Areas that meet the requirements of the World

Heritage Convention.Managing World Heritage Areas

To address identified key threats

to the outstanding natural values

of ten state-managed World Heritage Areas achieving on-ground outcomes by 2013. Open call proposals

Proposals are only being sought

for ten state managed World Heritage sites and must address specific actions which are identified for

each World Heritage Area.Increase the engagement and participation rates of urban and regional communities in activities to manage

natural resources and to help protect the environment.Increasing participation in

natural resource management

To increase the recruitment and retention of volunteers in community groups involved in managing natural

resources, over the next three years, in particular youth.Open call proposals

Activities will only be supported as part of a broader proposal which contributes to the on-ground delivery of

other targets. Proposals that only seek support for community engagement activities will be considered

ineligible.

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Increasing native habitat

Why managing native habitatis a priority

Increasing the area of well-managed native habitat

and vegetation is an important practical step to

conserving our native plants, animals, birds, insects

and other species. It is critical to ensuring that

ecological functions and the services they provide

persist over the long-term. Improving vegetation

management will also maintain and build the

resilience of our ecosystems to ensure they can

absorb shocks, such as enhanced climate variability,

in the future.

Efforts to better manage more native habitats and

vegetation to reduce critical threats to biodiversity

will be an essential part of the aim to improve land

management practices and will contribute to

landscape-scale conservation efforts.

Why does native habitat needbetter management?Australias native habitats and vegetation are home

to at least 600 000 species. About 84 per cent of the

plant species, 83 per cent of the mammal species

and 45 per cent of the bird species are only found in

this country. Australia is one of the most biologically

diverse countries in the world. Native habitats and

vegetation provide critical ecological functions

including cycling nutrients, water, carbon dioxide

and oxygen, storing carbon, providing shelter,

breeding grounds and food for wildlife, andprotecting streams, wetlands and estuaries.

What are the threats tonative habitat?Australias native habitats and vegetation systems

are unique and dynamic, having evolved in response

to a variety of factors and ecological processes.

However, since European settlement, Australias

native habitats and vegetation have been degraded

as rapid changes and new threats have disrupted

key ecosystem functions and processes.

Critical threats relevant to investment under Caring

for our Country include:

fragmentation of habitats and native

vegetation

ecologically unsustainable land uses

weeds and introduced pests

inappropriate fire regimes.

The cumulative impact of these threats is likely to be

increased by climate change.

TargetsIncreasing native habitat

To increase by at least 600 000 hectares by

June 2013 the area of native habitat and vegetation

that is managed to reduce critical threats to

biodiversity and enhance the condition, connectivity

and resilience of habitats and landscapes.

Achievements against this target will also

complement investments under the Environmental

Stewardship Program component of Caring for our

Country.

Increasing participation in natural resourcemanagement

Projects addressing the increasing native habitat

target are encouraged to include activities that will

lead to increased recruitment and retention of

volunteers in community groups engaged in the

project, particularly youth. However, proposals that

only seek support for community engagementactivities will be considered ineligible.

Investment approachesThese targets will be delivered through investing in

open call proposals and through regional natural

resource management (NRM) organisations base-

level allocations.

Investment scopePriority will be given to projects that incorporate the

conservation of nationally threatened ecologicalspecies and communities listed under the

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Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (for example,

Tasmanian lowland grasslands), and to native

habitat and vegetation considered important to the

long term persistence of EPBC-listed species or

ecological communities.

Projects should have a focus on landscape-scale

efforts to manage and restore native habitat

condition and strengthen connectivity and build

ecological resilience across geographic areas

including agricultural lands.

We anticipate investing in projects across

a range of sizes with an upper limit of $1.5 million

over three years for any one project.

We are interested in investing in projects whichaddress the increasing native habitat target through

one or more of the following:

large-scale restoration works that are linked

to complementary land uses and vegetation

management practices

managing and protecting important

ecological and evolutionary refugia to

strengthen opportunities for adaptation in

the face of a changing climate

linking critical habitat, remnant vegetation

and management practices to ensure nativewildlife is protected

creating buffers around protected areas

supporting the ecological functions of

paddock trees

using systematic approaches to regional

conservation planning to identify priorities

and strengthen management of EPBC-listed

species or ecological communities

progressing resilience-based assessments

of landscapes and regions to identify critical

thresholds and opportunities for adaptationin the face of a changing climate

using appropriate market-based

approaches to achieve the targets.

The elements for eligible projects can overlap and

more than one element can be addressed in a

proposal.

Developing your proposalCaring for our Country is seeking proposals that

maximise direct investment in on-ground activities

that will make a measurable contribution to

achieving our targets. Activities that support on-

ground delivery, including strategic planning, applied

research and information support, can also be

necessary in delivering a viable project. However,

proponents must justify and constrain these costs as

a proportion of their total budget. In general,

proposals that are predominantly focused on

planning or applied research will be less attractive for

investment.

Proposals should carefully consider the relationship

between input costs and benefits achieved. Value for

money proposals are not necessarily the cheapest,

but those that deliver cost effective improvements in

vegetation extent and condition.

Proponents are encouraged to develop partnerships

with organisations such as government, non-government organisations, Indigenous and other

community groups, regional NRM organisations,

neighbouring land managers and/or research

organisations, where their combined expertise and

experience will enhance outcomes.

Indigenous land managers are encouraged to submit

proposals, particularly proposals that draw together

the use of traditional ecological knowledge, local

knowledge and best available science to restore and

maintain native habitat.

There is significant scope for aligning investments

with other Caring for our Country targets, including

those identified under Sustainable practices (see

Section 2.4) and the Environmental Stewardship

Program component.

Key information sources Threatened ecological species and

communities listed under theEnvironment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Act(1999):

www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html.

Maps at a national and state level showing

the extent of threatened ecological

communities (predominantly native

vegetation) are available on the Caring for

our Country website at www.nrm.gov.au.

Five maps at a national level showing the

extent of threatened species, including

mammals, reptiles, birds and flora are



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Environmental Stewardship Program

Why is the EnvironmentalStewardship Program a priority?

The objective of the Caring for our Country

Environmental Stewardship Program is to maintain

and improve the quality and extent of targeted high

public value environmental assets on private land.

Environmental assets are targeted from the list of

threatened ecological communities under the

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act(1999). This is outlined in the

Environmental Stewardship Strategic Framework.

The program uses competitive tenders and other

market-based approaches to engage private land

managers in financial contracts for up to 15 years to

manage these assets. Contracts with land managers

provide enduring improvements to land

management practices to protect and enhance

environmental assets.

The program aims to:

improve the long-term protection of

nationally threatened species and

ecological communities

improve habitat condition across the

landscape

improve the condition and function of

ecological communities

deliver enduring changes in land managers

attitudes and behaviours towards

environmental protection and sustainable

land management practices.

TargetTo secure at least 30 000 hectares of nationally

threatened ecological communities through the

Environmental Stewardship Program by June 2011.

Investment Scope: South AustralianEnvironmental Stewardship ProjectThe Australian Government is seeking expressions

of interest from organisations or consortia interested

in being the delivery agent for a single Environmental

Stewardship project targeting the nationally

threatened ecological communities outlined below inthe following South Australian natural resource

management (NRM) regions Adelaide and Mount

Lofty, Northern and Yorke, and South Australia

Murray-Darling:

peppermint box (Eucalyptus odorata)

grassy woodland of South Australia

iron-grass natural temperate grassland

of South Australia

swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

These communities are nationally threatened. Eachis under-represented in National Parks and reserve

systems, occurs predominately on private land, and

has primary threats which can be significantly

reduced through private land manager actions.

Because of their geographic clustering within south-

eastern South Australia, these communities will be

targeted under a single Environmental Stewardship

project.

The South Australian Environmental Stewardship

project will begin in 2010. Private land managers will

be able to tender for projects from spring 2010. Theproject will be completed by June 2011.

A delivery agent for this project will be sought

through a competitive procurement process.

Expressions of interest are invited from organisations

or consortia with demonstrable organisational

capacity and relevant experience in delivering

complex conservation programs over large

geographic areas within tight timeframes to private

land managers using market-based approaches. To

apply, you must complete the expression of interest

documents on AusTender at www.tenders.gov.au.

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As a result, we are not seeking any additional

proposalsunder this business plan that target the

conservation of this group of nationally threatened

ecological communities in these NRM regions using

tenders or other market-based approaches.

Current Environmental StewardshipprojectsIn 201011 the Australian Government will build on

the work already undertaken and will negotiate

Environmental Stewardship Program outcomes and

delivery with existing proponents and service

providers. There is no call for new participants for

the following projects at this time.

Box Gum Grassy Woodlands Project

The Environmental Stewardship Program istargeting the critically endangered box gum grassy

woodlands ecological community. To date, private

land managers have participated through tenders

completed in the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan, Central

West, Namoi and Border Rivers-Gwydir NRM

regions of NSW and the South East Queensland,

Condamine, and Border Rivers Maranoa-Balonne

NRM regions of Queensland.

Subject to ongoing demand into 201011, further

tenders may be available to private land managers

though existing service providers in some regions.

Additional proposals that predominantly target the

conservation of box gum grassy woodlands in these

regions using tenders or other market-based

approaches will not be eligible for funding.

New South Wales Multiple EcologicalCommunities Project

In 201011 we are implementing an expanded

Environmental Stewardship project in the Central

West, Namoi, and Border Rivers-Gwydir NRM

regions of NSW to target the following nationally

threatened ecological communities:

white box, yellow box and Blakelys red gum

grassy woodland and derived grasslands

ecological community

natural grasslands on basalt and

fine-textured alluvial plains of northern

NSW and southern Queensland

weeping Myall woodlands.

Because of their geographic clustering within

northern NSW these communities will be targeted

under a single NSW Multiple Ecological

Communities Environmental Stewardship project

through an existing service provider.

Additional proposals that predominantly target the

conservation of this group of nationally threatened

ecological communities in these NRM regions using

tenders or other market-based approaches will notbe eligible for funding.

Further information Environmental Stewardship:

www.nrm.gov.au/stewardship.

Environmental Stewardship Strategic

Framework:www.nrm.gov.au/publications/frameworks/e

nvironmental-stewardship.html.

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Reducing the impact of vertebratepest animals

Why better management ofvertebrate pest animals is a priority

Pest animals (including rabbits, feral pigs and wild

dogs), cost Australia at least $720 million per annum

through environmental, economic and social

damage.

Controlling feral animals costs governments andlandholders more than $122 million a year and

research to find better methods of management

about $20 million.

On-farm management of pest animals that otherwise

destroy or compete with vegetation improves the

resilience of the farming system and benefits soil

condition, water quality and biodiversity.

Specific pest animals of national significance include

rabbits because of their impact on the regeneration

of certain critically endangered and endangered

species and communities, as described in the

Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999(EPBC Act) threat

abatement plan for rabbits. Rabbits also impact

vegetation and grazing areas more generally.

Feral pigs are also having a significant negative

impact on the environment and agriculture.

They threaten the long-term survival of a number of

species of native plants and animals across

Australia and also damage habitats and ecological

processes as described in the EPBC Act threat

abatement plan for feral pigs. They eat a wide range

of native fauna and flora, including reptile and bird

eggs, frogs, invertebrates and roots and tubers and

prey on newborn lambs. Their rooting, digging and

wallowing behaviour can destroy sea turtles nests,

reduce crop yields, damage fences and water

sources as well as generate soil erosion, weed

establishment and the destruction of wetlands and

water courses.

Wild dogs are considered pests primarily

where they are responsible for predation and injury

of livestock. They also prey on native mammals and

birds and may also compete with native predators,

such as quolls, for food and other resources.

Breeding between dingoes and feral dogs is one of

the biggest threats to remaining native dingo

populations.

Targets

Improved regeneration of native vegetation andproductive landscapes from better man

Documents

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