The Limestone Coast Landscape Board (LC Landscape Board) is offering small incentive grants to undertake habitat conservation activities that protect, enhance or establish native vegetation on private land.

This grant focuses on works that will align with the objective to support the co-benefits of biodiversity on farms, and ultimately contribute to the LC Landscape Board’s priority of “Conserving and enhancing our region’s biodiversity”.

While this grant is suited to individual landholders, there are opportunities for individuals to team up with a community group or other organisation to deliver works together on their land.

The grant is expected to generate strong interest, applicants should be aware this is a competitive process and only those projects that best meet the assessment criteria will be funded. The application process will involve three stages to best identify these projects.

The funding will support on-ground works for biodiversity conservation outcomes, where there are primary productivity co-benefits. Incentive funding will be prioritised towards projects that will contribute to one or more of the following objectives:

• Enhance habitat resilience by managing the threats affecting remnant vegetation (including protecting paddock trees and wetlands), encouraging natural regeneration or replanting local species within patches of native vegetation.
• Creating buffers around priority areas of habitat or enhancing or creating links between habitats or creating links between habitats.
• Revegetating cleared areas to increase the extent of available habitats in the region, reduce the effects of fragmentation and/or support nearby habitats.
• Implementing recovery actions to address threatened species and threatened ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act (1999) and/or South Australia's National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1972.

The following eligibility criteria will need to be met. The applicant will need to:

• Be an individual, volunteer, community organisation or other body.
• Be a legal entity or be sponsored by a legal entity.
• Be undertaking a project on private land.
• Where required, attach a Sponsor Support letter from a sponsor to the application, agreeing to be financially and legally responsible for this project.
• Have the agreement of any partner/s and provide a letter of support with the application form.
• Ensure that proposed project activities are not a component of any other funding agreement.
• Ensure that written approval for any works undertaken on land owned by another person/entity, other than the applicant, is attached to the application.
• Be undertaking project activities within the Limestone Coast landscape region (See below for a map of the region).
• The landholder or sponsor must hold a minimum of $1 million in public liability insurance.

You are not eligible to apply if:

• You have an overdue final report and acquittal for a previous grant from state/territory or Australian Government agencies or had funding revoked due to performance and/or integrity reasons.
• You are one of the following – political organisation, or government agency.

(Appendix A)

The starting date for the project should be 1 July 2025. All permissions and approvals for project activities will need to be obtained prior to any works being carried out.

The project length will be a maximum of 18 months. This means all projects must be completed by 31 December 2026. Applicants may apply for an extension to complete the project due to unforeseen circumstances. Approval of extension will be determined by project type and benefit to outcomes.

Funding will be offered to individuals, volunteers, community organisations and other bodies on the following basis:

• Only expenditure incurred by the funding recipient, directly attributable to the approved project, will be considered eligible expenditure.
• Eligible expenditure must be incurred during the project start and completion date, or any approved variations.
• Funding is provided strictly to support the project and its core activities as per the grant application and any approved variations.
• Eligible costs that may be funded include materials and contractor costs. Payment for your own labour or your own staff’s labour is not eligible.
• In-kind contributions from the applicant such as labour, materials or co-funding are strongly encouraged and will be considered as part of the value for money assessment.
• Projects that may be subject to requirements under the Water Affecting Activity (WAA) Control Policy will need to be assessed before works commence. Applicants will be advised if their project requires a WAA permit (more information) during their site visit stage. If a permit is required, this will be identified in the Grant Agreement along with any appropriate conditions.
• Successful projects with an on-ground works component must be aware of their obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (more information).
• Successful projects will be expected to acknowledge the LC Landscape Board in their promotions and publications.
• Are encouraged to send the LC Landscape Board news articles. Logos and branding information will be supplied upon request.
• Funding will not be provided for projects that have already commenced.

Activities that are eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:

• Fencing to protect wetlands, creek lines, native vegetation, scattered trees, regeneration of native vegetation and revegetation associated with habitats. Fencing must be to a minimum standard, being 5 strands of wire with droppers at a minimum spacing of every 5 metres with posts every 20 metres. The area of habitat to be fenced should be a minimum of 15 metres wide.
• Revegetation of habitats including wetland fringing vegetation, links between habitats, habitat plantings and threatened species plantings. Only revegetation with local native species which are adapted to the site's soil and climate (or future predicted climate) will be supported. Seed should be sourced from within 100km of the site.
• Shelterbelts that have a significant biodiversity co-benefit. Shelterbelts must be a minimum of 15 metres wide to provide biodiversity co-benefits, however shelterbelts 20 metres or more in width will be favoured. Only planting with local native species which are adapted to the site's soil and climate (or future predicted climate) will be supported. Seed should be sourced from within 100km of the site. Inclusion of nectar producing shrubs (e.g. Banksia, Bursaria, Hakea, Tea-tree, Callistemon, Yacca) is strongly encouraged where appropriate.
• Weed control including declared and undeclared environmental weeds in all sites as described above, where there is a strong biodiversity benefit. (Budget allocated to pay the LC Landscape Board’s Weed Control Service to do spraying or other control works is NOT eligible. A private contractor can be engaged for this work).
• Pest animal control on project sites will be funded if carried out in conjunction with other activities (as above) that increase biodiversity outcomes of the project area.
• Funding for contractors or consultants required for the project may be funded but must be identified and a quote submitted with the final application.
• Undertaking recovery actions/protection works for nationally and state listed threatened species (under the EPBC Act 1999 and/or NPW Act 1972).

This list is not exhaustive and applicants have the opportunity to discuss other project ideas with the Limestone Coast Landscape Board staff (see staff contacts for more information).

Projects that are inconsistent with the grant outcomes will not be eligible. We will also not fund the following:

• Activities causing or with the potential to cause environmental damage, either directly or indirectly.
• Projects that seek more than $10,000 (GST exclusive) of grant funding.
• Revegetation or planting of non-native or non-local species.
• Shelterbelts that are less than 15 metres wide.
• Activities that are the legal responsibility of the landholder which are associated with compliance under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, unless they are considered to be of strong biodiversity benefit.
• Activities that are the legal responsibility of the landholder which are associated with clearance consent under the Native Vegetation Act 1991.
• Specific works that are funded through a previous devolved grant/program.
• Work that is undertaken before the Grant Agreement for the project is signed or after the grant timeframe (unless an extension has been agreed to in writing).
• Standard boundary fencing that is a landholder’s legal responsibility.
• Pest plant and animal control where the primary benefit will be for production purposes.
• Capital works or capital equipment, including the purchase or lease of land and/or purchase, construction or maintenance of buildings, purchase of assets which could be used for personal benefit.
• Purchase, lease or acquisition of: computer hardware or software, photocopiers, GPS equipment or media equipment including video cameras and projectors, motor vehicles, watercraft, aircraft or fuel.
• Day to day operating costs.
• Insurance, legal or administrative costs.
• Overseas travel.
• Budget allocated to pay the LC Landscape Board’s Weed Control Service to do weed spraying or other pest control works (N.B. A private contractor can be engaged for this work).
• Preparation of the original grant application, variations or reporting.

This list is not exhaustive. Other activities or specific expenditure may be ineligible where the LC Landscape Board determines that they do not directly support the achievement of the planned outcomes of the project or that they are contrary to the spirit and intention of the funding.

It is important to understand how effective project activities are at achieving the grant objectives. The LC Landscape Board would like to undertake basic monitoring at project sites to understand the success of the entire grant program, to help inform future activities.

Applicants will need to contribute to monitoring by taking a photo of the project area before work begins and after the works are completed (more information).

Applicants should also consider whether they are open to LC Landscape Board staff visiting their project sites during and after the project is complete, so staff can undertake additional basic monitoring. This may include undertaking repeated vegetation surveys, fauna surveys and additional photopoint monitoring.

Any additional monitoring undertaken by the LC Landscape Board would be discussed with, and agreed to, by the landholder in advance.

Project applications will be assessed against how well they address the following:

• How well does this project contribute to one or more of the grant objectives?
• How well defined are the project activities?
• How does the project deliver good value for money?
• How does the project support habitat for biodiversity?
• How will the project be supported after grant funding has expired?

Applicants may submit more than one project or site, but are advised to consider their preference should funding only be offered for one site.

Stage 1: Initial application

All applicants must complete the Stage 1 application form on the SmartyGrants platform and submit it for consideration prior to close of business on 6 December 2024.

Stage 1 applications are assessed to identify whether the projects fit the eligibility criteria, activities fit the objectives, are technically sound and are achievable. They will also be assessed against the criteria and only those that are anticipated to provide the best biodiversity outcomes will be invited by email to move to the next stage of the application process.

Stage 2: Site visit

LC Landscape Board staff will conduct site visits with invited applicants. If you have been contacted by staff to organise a site visit, you must respond within ten days or you may not be eligible to progress to the next stage of the application process.

LC Landscape Board staff will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate a site visit at a mutually agreeable time with the applicant, however if this cannot be achieved before final applications open, the applicant may not be asked to progress to the next stage of the application.

Site visits will allow LC Landscape Board staff to meet and discuss the project with the applicant, see the proposed site to ensure it is suitable, answer any questions and offer advice as required. Suitable projects will be invited to amend their application, which is the third and final stage of the application process.

Stage 3: Final application

Depending on the assessment of the Stage 1 application and site visit, suitable applicants will be asked to submit a final application on the SmartyGrants platform. When submitting their final application it is recommended that applicants carefully address any feedback provided to them following their site visit and during any other discussions with LC Landscape Board staff.

Applications must be submitted via the online platform SmartyGrants. All grants will be managed through this system. Support to use the online system is available by emailing LandscapeSA.LCLandscapeBoardGrants@sa.gov.au or by calling 8429 7550 during business hours. If your query is in relation to your grant content, please refer to the list in staff contacts.

To access SmartyGrants, follow this link.

Applicants who have been invited to Stage 3 will be notified of the closing time and date. There will be no extensions and late applications will not be accepted.

Assessment and agreement

Once Stage 3 applications are submitted, projects will be assessed in more detail against the selection criteria by an assessment panel including LC Landscape Board staff.

Applicants will be notified in May 2025 of the outcome of their application. Successful applications will receive a Letter of Offer and Grant Agreement via email. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified by email.

Grant Agreements for successful projects will form a contract covering the conditions of funding, including your responsibility to keep proper accounting records, your reporting obligations, management obligations and any ongoing site maintenance required by the applicant, including the control of proclaimed weeds and vermin and maintenance of any fencing constructed as part of the project in a stock-proof condition.

If you do not respond to the offer of funding by the date specified, the offer may be withdrawn.

Your funding will be paid when you have:

• Signed and returned the Grant Agreement.
• Provided a compliant Tax invoice.

Implementation:

Your project commencement date is the date that the Grant Agreement is signed by you and is countersigned by LC Landscape Board staff.

Project implementation will then commence, and proceed against the agreed deliverables and any conditions outlined in the Grant Agreement. Project activities can be undertaken once the Grant Agreement has been signed. The project will be completed by the date listed in the Grant Agreement, which will by 31 December 2026, unless otherwise negotiated.

Grantees will be encouraged to invite Limestone Coast Landscape Board members and staff to their activities to build relationships and document conservation projects for promotion and engagement with the wider community.

Reporting

Reporting will be undertaken in SmartyGrants, in accordance with the grant agreement or any approved variations. All projects must complete final reports and financial acquittals. These must be submitted within one month of completing the project. This will consist of:

• A final project report detailing the activities that have been undertaken and lessons learnt.
• End of project financial acquittal and copies of relevant tax invoices.

For projects that continue into the 2026-27 financial year, a mid-year report must also be completed by 31 July 2026. This will consist of:

• A report detailing the activities that have been undertaken and expenditure in the 2025-26 financial year.

A site inspection by LC Landscape Board staff may be undertaken to confirm what is provided in reporting. If required, a staff member will be in contact to organise such an inspection.

A Grazing Agreement may be included as an attachment to a Grant Agreement for projects that require special grazing management within the project area, to ensure the biodiversity objectives are achieved. Please note, a grazing agreement is only applicable for sites that have previously been grazed. A Grazing Agreement is likely to recommend:

1. For wetland areas, grazing should be excluded from the project area unless the ground is dry.

2. For non-wetland areas, grazing should be excluded from the project area to allow native flora to flower and set seed during late spring and summer.

3. When grazing is required, that a ‘crash graze’ approach be adopted (i.e. a large number of sheep enter the area for a short time). Stock are removed as soon as the sward has been reduced to an acceptable height with minimal impact on native flora.

4. If grazing is required to reduce fuel loads for fire management, seasonal conditions should be observed and a ‘crash graze’ undertaken, preferably in December.

5. Stock should be removed if browsing predominantly on native shrubs and trees.

6. The first graze of the summer should occur no earlier than late January but seasonal conditions should be observed to allow minimal impact on regenerating native flora.

7. Where possible, grazing should be conducted with only sheep to minimise soil damage.

8. Grazing should not be undertaken if extreme seasonal conditions occur (i.e. heavy rains) where a possibility of excess damage to the soil or its surface crust may eventuate.

9. Areas that are revegetated under this program be totally excluded from grazing for 5 years, as per the Grant Agreement.

Assistance in developing projects can be provided by the staff listed in the 'Chat with us' tab. This will ensure that the project outcomes are aligned with the grant's outcomes. The Limestone Coast Landscape Board office can be contacted on 8429 7550.