Project
Bushfire Recovery | Landholder Support Program
Recovery support now available for bushfire‑impacted landholders
One of Trust for Nature’s top priorities is helping landholders to restore, enhance and protect habitat on private land to create safe havens for plants and animals. In January 2026, areas of Victoria were impacted by devastating bushfires. Sadly, dozens of conservation covenants, approximately a hundred Land for Wildlife properties and one of Trust for Nature’s reserves were affected. The fires not only destroyed homes, fences and infrastructure, they scorched vital habitat on private land that native species rely on for food and shelter.
Support available to impacted covenantors and Land for Wildlife members
Following the fires in January, Trust for Nature launched an urgent bushfire recovery appeal to raise funds for those whose properties had been impacted. Thanks to the incredible generosity of hundreds of donors in our community, we are pleased to share we raised $112,852 and that this funding is now ready to be distributed.
The Bushfire Recovery Landholder Support Program is designed to assist landholders with on ground works and conservation‑related recovery activities. The Program invites eligible covenantors to apply for up to $2,000, and Land for Wildlife members to apply for $250 to undertake these works.
These funds are designed to be flexible, and may support activities such as weed and pest animal control, access and safety works, erosion and creek line recovery, habitat restoration, and ecological monitoring – whatever is most appropriate to support the long‑term recovery of your land.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility for the Bushfire Recovery Landholder Support Program is limited to landholders with a conservation covenant or Land for Wildlife property that was impacted by the fires across Victoria in January 2026.
To be eligible, your conservation covenant or Land for Wildlife property must have been fully registered at the time of fire. Properties that were in application or assessment stages at the time of the fire are not eligible.
What funding is available?
- Covenantors may receive $2,000 per covenant
- Land for Wildlife members may receive $250 per property
If funds remain later in the program, Trust for Nature will revisit allocations.
I have multiple covenants or Land for Wildlife properties, will I receive support for each one?
Yes, you will be eligible for multiple payments. Please submit an application form for each individual property.
If my property is protected with a conservation covenant and part of the Land for WIldlife program, do I get both payments?
No, in these cases you will receive the larger payment for conservation covenants only.
What can the funds be used for?
The payments are intended to support landholders with conservation-related activities on fire-impacted land. Acceptable uses include (but are not limited to):
- Weed and pest animal control
- Access and safety works (e.g. track clearing, fallen trees)
- Erosion control and creek‑line recovery
- Habitat recovery
- Ecological monitoring (e.g. motion‑sensing cameras)
Funds may also be used for equipment or materials required to undertake these activities.
If works have already been completed post-bushfire, these payments can retrospectively support recovery costs.
What information is needed in the application?
To apply, landholders need to:
- Fill out a simple application form confirming eligibility and bank details
- Provide five photos showing bushfire impact and areas where works will be undertaken
- Write a short description or testimonial about the impact this support will have for habitat or native species on your property (optional but encouraged)
When will I receive the funds?
Funds will be distributed as soon as possible, by the end of June at the latest.
When is the application deadline?
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis (“first in, best dressed”), so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
The program will close once funds are fully allocated or committed, or on 22 May.
Any remaining funds will be distributed to those who applied and who have larger properties at Trust for Nature’s discretion.
Do I need to provide quotes or invoices to Trust for Nature for the works that are being undertaken?
No, the Bushfire Recovery Landholder Support Program does not require you to submit quotes or invoices for works or other expenses related to the conservation works.
Do I need to provide Trust for Nature with photos or any other evidence after the works have taken place?
We would love to hear and see how these payments have supported you to undertake conservation activities on your fire-impacted property, so we welcome you to send us updates and photos once the works have taken place. Please email any photos or testimonials to communications@tfn.org.au. This is not a requirement; however, it is encouraged and greatly appreciated.
How do I apply?
Fill out the online application form here. If you are having issues with the online form, please email us and we can provide you with an alternative.