Help is at hand for rural landholders

When tackling large environmental projects, the right support can make all the difference – something Palmwoods couple Hein and Megan Van Dam know well.

Over the past eight years, they’ve transformed their once weed-choked 17-acre property into a thriving refuge for wildlife and native plants, restoring biodiversity step by step.

With support from Council’s Landholder Environment Grants program, the couple has been able to turn a long-term vision into meaningful outcomes for the Sunshine Coast environment.

Funding now available

A new round of funding is now open allowing more rural landholders to access support to deliver their own on-ground improvements.

Expressions of interest open 6 July and close 10 August, with full applications due 28 September.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said with so much of the region in private ownership, working with rural landholders delivered the strongest environmental results.

“This competitive program is funded by our Environment Levy and we’re encouraging targeted applications from rural landholders and primary producers ready to undertake practical environmental improvements on their land,” Cr Burns said.

“We’ve found that providing landholders with financial support and expert advice leads to real, on-ground change across the Sunshine Coast Biosphere.

“Due to strong demand, we’re prioritising projects that deliver clear environmental outcomes and our conservation partnership team is ready to support the next wave of projects.”

Who can apply

Applications are encouraged from rural landholders and primary producers across the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area, especially those wanting to improve water quality or native habitat.

Why staged projects work

Sunshine Coast Council’s Coordinator Community Catchment Partnerships Denise Lindon said combining grant funding with long-term partnership support helped deliver the best results.

“We find that although landholders can apply for the full $15,000 funding, which they match 50:50, the strongest results come from staged projects that build year on year and deliver long-term environmental improvements,” Ms Lindon said.

“Landholders don’t need to apply for the full amount in one go – they can request what they need each year and build their project over time.”

Palmwoods case study

Hein and Megan have been working with Council since 2018 through the Land for Wildlife program and are a strong example of how a staged approach can deliver results.

Rather than tackling everything at once, they developed a multi-stage plan focused on manageable sections – starting with removing invasive slash pines and gradually restoring their creek corridor.

With the right funding at the right time, they’ve been able to control a significant lantana infestation, regenerate areas with targeted planting and establish habitat for birds, butterflies and pollinators, while strengthening riparian zones along the creek.

The Landholder Environment Grants program offers a practical next step for rural landholders looking to achieve lasting environmental improvements tailored to their property.