The Victorian Government’s BushBank program has launched a new initiative to restore and protect koala habitat on private land near Budj Bim National Park, and is calling for landowners to express their interest in participating.
The BushBank Budj Bim Koala Habitat Restoration Project, delivered by Cassinia Environmental, offers a unique opportunity for eligible landholders to receive funding and support for creating wildlife habitat on their land. With up to $1 million in funding allocated to this project, it responds to the loss of koala habitat following a March 2025 bushfire which burnt 2,200 hectares of the National Park.
Budj Bim forms part of a key biodiversity corridor connecting national parks and remnant bushland. Restoring koala habitat in this landscape will support local wildlife recovery while also reconnecting the fragmented ecosystem, improving species movement and strengthening the ecological resilience of the broader region.
Private landowners within 5km of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape are eligible to apply, with priority given to properties within 1km of the National Park. Sites within a connectivity corridor to adjoining bushland to the north and west of the park will also be considered.
The offer includes:
- All costs covered for revegetation, site preparation, and maintenance
- Stewardship payments of up to $2000/ha for landowners paid against project milestones over 3-5 years
- Permanent protection of land through a Trust for Nature conservation covenant
Now three years in, the BushBank Private Land Stream has restored 4,800+ hectares across Victoria and secured an additional 3,800+ hectares for future restoration. The BushBank Budj Bim Koala Habitat Restoration Project will continue to contribute toward BushBank’s 20,000 hectare target while addressing the need to establish new habitat availability and improved food sources for the local koala population.
Expressions of Interest for the Budj Bim project close on 30 November 2025.
Landowners can apply online at www.cassinia.com/bushbank.
