By Elsie Lange
The government has invited expressions of interest to be a part of effort to restore and revegetate the Victorian landscape.
Announced on April 4, Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio called for people to partner with the BushBank program to restore 20,000 hectares of private land and create more than 100 jobs across Victoria.
The revegetation program will give Aboriginal Traditional Owner corporations the opportunity to lead efforts on Country, with $7 million in grants available.
“We’re regenerating our precious biodiversity, restoring native habitats and creating regional jobs while capturing carbon to help Victoria reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“The partnerships are providing landowners and Traditional Owners with new income streams to emerging carbon markets, as well as regenerating land to safeguard Victoria’s rich biodiversity.”
A government statement on April 4 said the nearly $31 million investment would revegetate with “millions of trees and shrubs, delivering unique habitats for Victorian wildlife and storing more than 4.5 million tonnes of carbon thanks to the program”.
The project is supported by the $15.3 million Victorian Carbon Farming Program.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams said First Nations Victorians know what is best for looking after community and Country.
“Through supporting the traditional management of our natural environments, we support better outcomes for everyone,” Ms Williams said.
Details: www.environment.vic.gov.au/bushbank
