GO7781: Local Environmental Projects

The Local Environmental Projects program will run from 2025–26 to 2027–28 as part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Outcome 2, supporting nature-positive conservation and sustainable management of Australia’s natural resources.

Announced during the 2025 federal election, the program funds locally informed, place-based projects that protect and restore threatened species and habitats, enhance coasts and waterways, and improve community access to nature, especially in urban green and blue spaces.

Projects must show long-term environmental and social benefits through sustainable management and local engagement, aligning with national goals under the EPBC Act and Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024–2030.

The program also supports Australia’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Participation by First Nations groups is encouraged, including sharing ecological knowledge.

Projects promoting women’s workforce participation are also supported.

To be eligible you must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be an organisation that is invited to apply for a project listed in Appendix A.

If identified to deliver multiple projects in Appendix A you must submit one application per project.

Joint (consortia) applications are acceptable but must nominate a lead organisation that is eligible to apply.

You must satisfy all eligibility criteria and cannot be granted a waiver.

Project activities must be consistent with the relevant Appendix A project description and projects must be completed by 2028-03-31.

Applications must include required attachments (project plan, project budget, letters of support from project partners, evidence of approvals where the applicant is not the landowner, and Traditional Owner support where required).