Linking Landscapes Through Local Action project

Linking Landscapes Through Local Action is part of the Green Corridors program, a Government priority action identified in the NSW 2021 Planexternal link. The project is funded through the NSW Environmental Trust.

This project works with stakeholders in the Sydney Basin to identify green corridors and secure better land conservation management within the corridors. It is also developing online mapping to allow public agencies to track land secured for conservation through this and other projects across the State. The project is receiving $10.1 million of funding up to 2014-15.

Grant program for establishing and funding biobank sites on
public land

The second round of expressions of interest (EOIs) for this grant program is NOW OPEN until 29 March 2013. Subject to funding being available, EOIs will continue to be received after 29 March 2013 for Round 3.

 To register your expression of interest, download the EOI application form and accompanying information for applicants below.

  • Expression of interest application form

  • Information for applicants document

    • The majority of project funds, about $9 million, is allocated for a grant program targeted to public land managers in the Sydney basin who are willing to manage bushland for conservation purposes. The funds will be used to establish biobanking agreements on public land.

    Biobanking agreements are a type of permanent conservation covenant in which funds are invested in an endowment fund (the Biobanking Trust Fund) which then provides an ongoing annual payment to the land manager. This means the bushland would be managed in-perpetuity with an external source of funding and so provide the organisation with long-term savings.

    Expressions of interest (EOIs) for biobank sites are being sought from public land managers in the Sydney Basin. Successful EOIs will be selected based on the connectivity and biodiversity values of the land, the conservation security of the land and the cost-effectiveness of the investment. As part of the EOI, land managers will be invited to co-contribute funds and this will increase the competitiveness of the bid for the funds.

    Other project components

    The Linking Landscapes through Local Action project comprises of two additional components which are being scoped for their feasibility.

  • Identifying Corridors aims to integrate the mapping of local, regional and State biodiversity investment priorities within the Sydney Basin. This component seeks to draw together the existing efforts of councils, catchment management authorities and State agencies into a single map which recognises areas of local significance within a broader context. The mapping will assist in targeting offsetting and other conservation efforts to agreed priority areas.
  • Conservation commitments mapping will allow public authorities to share information about the location of any land secured for conservation through offsets, covenants and other mechanisms. It will help authorities avoid doubling-up their commitments as well as plan new conservation initiatives.

    • For more information contact

    Phone: 1300 361 967

    Email: linking.landscapes@environment.nsw.gov.au  (include ‘Linking Landscapes project’ in the subject line)

    Page last updated: 22 November 2012