The Conserving our Rural Environment (CoRE) grant aims to empower rural landholders to conserve and enhance natural environmental values on their private rural property.

This year the CoRE Grant has been redesigned following a comprehensive program evaluation to make it more accessible and impactful for landholders and the rural environment.

The key change involves the introduction of three funding categories to suit different project scales and experience levels;

• Category 1 - Connecting Nature (up to $2,500 ex GST); for entry-level revegetation and habitat improvement projects that supports habitat connectivity and local biodiversity.
  
• Category 2 - Land Stewardship (up to $20,000 ex GST - $10,000 per year for two years); for large-scale strategic projects supported by Land Management Plans.
  
• Category 3 - Trust for Nature (up to $20,000 ex GST); for landowners seeking to permanently protect part of their land under a conservation covenant.

To be eligible for a CoRE Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• 1. Own or manage a property larger than 0.4 hectares (1 acre) located within the following zones: y Green Wedge y Green Wedge A y Rural Living y Farming Zone
• 2. Have land identified as conservation priority under the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Melbourne's Growth Corridors. The proposed project must be in an area of environmental conservation significance.

• Phone: 9205 2200
• Email: coregrant@hume.vic.gov.au