GO8176: Australian Bushland Program – New Indigenous Protected Areas

The Australian Government is inviting applications via a targeted process to apply to deliver services under Program 2.1 Conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia's natural environment through a nature positive approach.

The Australian Bushland Program – New Indigenous Protected Areas will run over 2 years from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028.

This program is funded as part of the $250 million Australian Bushland Program (ABP) Budget measure.

The ABP supports implementation of the National 30 by 30 Roadmap, to protect and conserve 30% of Australia’s land by 2030 (30 by 30).

Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) are the largest contributor to the 30 by 30 target on land.

The program objective is to strengthen the conservation and protection of Australia’s environmental and cultural values through establishing and managing IPAs.

The program also contributes to social and economic benefits for First Nations people.

The expected outcomes of the program are: Australia’s National Reserve System (NRS) has increased and the condition of Australia’s environment across land and sea has improved First Nations people are empowered to fulfil their custodial obligations over land and sea Country and achieve environmental, cultural, social, and economic benefits enhanced collaboration between First Nations people and partners and strengthened governance for the protection, conservation and sustainable management of Australia’s land and seascapes.

Applicants must have an ABN, hold an Australian bank account, be registered for GST where relevant, identify a proposed consultation area (submit a URL project location via the mapping tool), certify the project complements and does not duplicate other government-funded activities in the location, have rectified or be rectifying any previous Commonwealth agreement non-compliance to the Commonwealth's satisfaction, and provide required letters of support from the entity/entities representing Traditional Owners of the proposed consultation area (dated no earlier than the opening date of the grant opportunity).

Joint (consortia) applications are acceptable provided the lead is an eligible entity.

Required attachments include not-for-profit evidence (where applicable), trust deed (where applicable), consortium partner letters (where applicable), statutory declaration if no ICN, and Traditional Owner representative letters of support.