Annual environmental grant program protects native vegetation

Published on 02 October 2025

The City of Whittlesea is calling on rural landowners to apply for the Environmental Works Grant Program (EWGP), an annual initiative supporting on-ground conservation projects that protect and enhance native vegetation on private rural land.

This year, the grant has been expanded to support large-scale projects, with up to $6,000 available per property. It provides financial incentives for a range of activities including fencing, erosion control, weed management, revegetation works that improve biodiversity, protection of remnant vegetation, installing water troughs, integrated pest animal control and other sustainable land management practices.

Projects that protect existing native bushland, create homes for wildlife, and boost biodiversity are given priority, helping to preserve local plants and threatened species.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) can be submitted any time, with full applications now open until 30 November 2025.

To be eligible, properties must be at least 2 hectares in size, located within the City of Whittlesea and be zoned for rural purposes. Not all costs are covered; landowners are expected to provide matching contributions through either cash or in-kind labour.

To learn more or submit an application, visit the Sustainable land management grants and incentives page.

If you need assistance with your application, you can call 03 9217 2170 and ask to speak to our Rural and Environmental Planning Team or email biodiversityplanning@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor:

“The City of Whittlesea is proud to support our rural landowners in taking care of the natural environment.

 “The Environmental Works Grant Program is a practical way we can work together to protect our unique landscape and support local wildlife."