The Victorian Government is continuing to support the recovery of the state’s bushland and biodiversity following last summer’s unprecedented bushfires, with a major cash boost for local projects.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced funding for 52 projects through the Biodiversity Bushfire Recovery Grants program.

A total of $900,000 has been provided for the delivery of on-ground works on public and private land, to support community education through things like property planning courses and field days, as well as to implement environmental projects in bushfire-affected parts of regional Victoria.

Funded projects include the creation of wildlife sanctuaries to boost populations of the Glossy Black Cockatoo in East Gippsland, restoring habitat and biodiversity on fire affected land in the Upper Murray and assisting the recovery of koala populations near Buchan.

The summer bushfires burnt over 1.5 million hectares, significantly impacting Victoria’s natural environment.

These grants are in addition to the Government’s $30.2 million investment in fire-affected wildlife and biodiversity, helping the recovery of impacted flora and fauna across the state.

The program will also contribute to the targets in Victoria’s Biodiversity 2037 plan – helping to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.

To view the full list of recipients, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants/BBRG.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“I am so pleased to be able to provide extra support for our bushfire affected communities who are now dealing with the impacts of the pandemic on top of the fires.”

“The devastating and ongoing impact of these fires  on our wildlife and biodiversity are well known – that’s why this funding is so important to help us continue supporting their recovery so they can survive and thrive.”