The Australian Government has flagged a new grant round to expand Indigenous Protected Areas with funding to establish at least eight new consultation projects and an application process expected to open early in 2026.
The Government said funding will be available “over 2 years to 30 June 2028” to establish “at least 8 new IPA consultation projects”.
“It is expected that the new IPA round will open in early 2026 as a competitive round and be restricted to Indigenous organisations.”
The Government described the Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) program as supporting First Nations people in voluntarily dedicating and managing land or sea country for biodiversity conservation and the protection of cultural values.
It also linked the expansion to the Australian Bushland Program budget measure announced in March 2025, stating that the investment supports the implementation of the National 30 by 30 Roadmap to protect and conserve 30 per cent of Australia’s land by 2030.
Separate Commonwealth information published by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) states the IPA Program is “continuing and expanding” with added funding over five years from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2028.
For organisations thinking ahead, applicants may wish to start preparing supporting documents, including letters of support from relevant Prescribed Bodies Corporate or other Traditional Owners and key stakeholders with rights and interests in the proposed area.
Information sessions will be available when the round opens, and the guidelines and supporting documents will be published when applications open.
“The Australian Government has committed to expand the Indigenous Protected Areas Program as part of the $250 million Australian Bushland Program (ABP) budget measure”
Discover more from I-News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
