Victoria’s threatened species are getting the best chance to thrive through the Nature Fund, a new Andrews Labor Government conservation program.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio announced $10 million from the Nature Fund will be provided to support 16 projects to create great outcomes for Victoria’s most threatened species.

These projects will deliver significant benefits for Victoria’s biodiversity, and they will be supported with a further $23 million co-investment from delivery partners.

The projects include improving habitat for critically endangered Major Mitchell’s cockatoos in Wyperfeld National Park, supporting the recovery of the critically endangered Fairy Tern, improving the condition of endangered grasslands in western Victoria, and restoring habitat for the endangered Central Victorian ant-blue butterfly.

The Nature Fund will also back projects that advance the self-determination of Victoria’s First Peoples— with $1.9 million allocated to six projects led by Aboriginal organisations within the program’s Caring for Country stream.

These projects include supporting the Wurundjeri’s Narrap Rangers to practice and share traditional land management knowledge, and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, partnering with Parks Victoria, to deliver predator control – ultimately protecting the white-footed dunnart and the long-nosed bandicoot.

The Nature Fund is part of Biodiversity 2037, Victoria’s largest ever long-term investment in the environment.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested over $560 million towards protecting biodiversity and the natural environment.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“It has never been a more important time to invest in our state’s future and the future of our environment.”

“Through initiatives like the Nature Fund, we will have the best chance at improving the outlook for our threatened species.”

“A healthy natural environment creates healthy and happy communities for years to come.”