The BushBank Program is an initiative delivered by the Victorian Government to fund landholders in restoring biodiversity on their land. As the Australian government continues to look for ways to meet the United Nations climate and biodiversity targets, programs like BushBank enable landholders to get involved.
But the benefits aren’t limited to nature. BushBank funding can also support carbon farming projects, enabling landholders to earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) from their efforts.
What is the BushBank Program?
BushBank is solid in its mission. It aims to revegetate land, reduce carbon emissions, and create habitat for native biodiversity. The program is backed by $77 million, with over $30 million being allocated to private land restoration, giving private landholders a sizable opportunity to shape a more sustainable future for Victoria.
Cassinia Environmental are leading the delivery of the program
The program is being delivered by the highly respected organisation, Cassinia Environmental. With two decades of experience in landscape restoration and biodiversity protection, Cassinia understands how to ensure landholders are successfully supported within the program.
Cassinia has already secured over 5,700 hectares of land for restoration across Victoria, planting nearly 69,000 seedlings and sowing 772 kilograms of seed. These efforts have helped create habitats for endangered species and foster greater biodiversity, all while working towards the program’s target of restoring 20,000 hectares.
In the words of Krista Patterson-Majoor, BushBank Program Manager at Cassinia Environmental:
“The BushBank Program not only contributes to much-needed habitat conservation, but it also presents an excellent opportunity for landowners to access financial incentives through carbon credits. By partnering with Carbon Farming Foundation, we ensure that landowners are fully supported in navigating the sometimes-complex space of credit registration. Reducing these barriers makes more projects a reality, which is exciting.”
One of the most appealing aspects of the BushBank Program is its ability to link conservation efforts with earning ACCUs. Cassinia has partnered with Carbon Farming Foundation to enable the program to be used for carbon farming projects so that landholders can earn ACCUs.
Earning Carbon Credits Through BushBank
CFF are working in collaboration with Cassinia to deliver carbon projects under the BushBank program. Our expert team provides guidance on designing and implementing carbon projects to maximise carbon sequestration which earns ACCUs.
Improving biodiversity is at the heart of CFF’s vision. Nicki Ledger, the Project Delivery Lead at CFF, speaks to this important collaboration.
"Here at CFF, our mission is to empower and inspire landholders to take urgent action on ecosystem restoration and protection. Building biodiversity into carbon projects is a powerful way to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and nature repair. We've partnered with BushBank to provide the financial support for landholders across Victoria to make these important contributions to a sustainable, productive future".
The experts at CFF are actively involved in the program, working to ensure that Environmental Planting carbon projects under BushBank deliver significant biodiversity co-benefits.
BushBank Supports Landholders
For landholders interested in starting a carbon project in Victoria, the BushBank Program offers a golden opportunity. The Program can contribute to the upfront costs associated with carbon farming, making it easier for landholders to start carbon credit projects.
But the value of the program isn’t just limited to ACCUs. Carbon farming also creates healthier, richer soils, more plant diversity and an increase in pollinators. All of which contribute to better health across land and agricultural productivity.
BushBank projects already underway will create habitat for the Red-tail Black Cockatoo, Greater Glider, Buloke, and Matted Flax-lily. These species, and many more, stand to benefit from the revegetation and habitat creation that landholders will help deliver.
The Future of Victoria’s Biodiversity
With the BushBank Program well underway, Victoria is taking an important step towards its goal of restoring 20,000 hectares of land by 2030. This is not just a regional target but part of Australia’s broader commitment to restoring biodiversity, aligning with the United Nation’s Global Biodiversity Plan, which aims to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.
By participating in this program, landholders are playing a vital role in protecting endangered species, restoring Victoria’s ecosystems, and contributing to the global fight against climate change. Whether your goal is to access ACCUs, boost land productivity, or contribute to biodiversity, BushBank and CFF provide the tools, support, and incentives to make it possible.
Are you a landholder in Victoria interested in participating in the BushBank Program with CFF? Get in touch with our expert team to find out how you can take part in the BushBank program: https://carbonfarming.org.au/about/contact-us/.
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