The Urban Rivers and Catchments Program Grants are now open and will close 5pm on 13th February 2024.

The May 2023-24 Budget provided funding through the Natural Heritage Trust for a competitive grants round under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.

$109 million (from 2024-25) is available for project grants. There are two distinct grant opportunities:

  • Stream one – small to medium-sized project grants of between $150,000 to $2 million for community-led projects. A total of $51 million is available under this stream. Must direct at least 75% of the eligible project grant expenditure to on-ground activities. Local government, NGOs, community groups, First Nations organisations, some statutory authorities are eligible to apply.
  • Stream two – large scale project grants of between $2 million to $10 million for projects that require a dollar-for-dollar matching cash contribution for the grant amount requested. A total of $58 million is available under this stream. Must direct at least 85% of the eligible project grant expenditure to on-ground activities. State and territory government, Local government, NGOs, community groups, First Nations organisations, some statutory authorities are eligible to apply.

Program Objectives:

  • Restore or improve stream bank or aquatic habitats to benefit native species including threatened species, or aquatic areas of significance.
  • Improve water quality, water in the landscape, and waterway connectivity to benefit native aquatic species or aquatic areas of significance.
  • Urban green and blue space promote community access to nature, water quality improvements of public health, increased shading to reduce impacts of climate change

https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/conservation/urban-rivers-catchments-program