Protecting our unique environment

Environmental Stewardship

The Government will provide $84.2 million over four years for the continuation and expansion of the Environmental Stewardship Program to continue to protect Australia's unique biodiversity.

As part of the $2 billion Caring for our Country initiative, the Environmental Stewardship Program recognises the important role that landholders play in protecting our environment. The program involves partnerships with private landowners through contracts (of up to 15 years) to manage and protect nationally significant habitats which are home to threatened species.

The funding will support conservation of up to an additional 34,000 hectares of habitat through new contracts initiated over the next four years.

Wildlife Corridor Planning

As part of its commitment to taking a strategic landscape—scale approach to biodiversity, the Government will invest $10.0 million over three years in the National Wildlife Corridors Plan.

The Plan will develop and pilot a national framework for Wildlife Corridor Planning to ensure effective migration of species and guide landscape‑scale conservation planning and investment across governments, private investors and regional community groups.

Towards a better environment

The Government is progressing other important environmental initiatives.

Through its marine bioregional planning process, the Government is working towards sustainable use of our marine resources and establishing a network of marine protected areas, consistent with its election commitment.

The Government will improve EPBC Act assessment processes to better manage the cumulative impacts of development.

The Government will also progress national product stewardship legislation and introduce a scheme for recycling computer and television waste as part of the National Waste Policy.