Funding now open for on-ground works on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island landholders are invited to apply for funding to undertake practical on-ground projects that improve waterway health, strengthen productive farmland and protect biodiversity.

The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board's next On-ground Works Grants Program will support projects that restore riparian areas, improve water quality and build more resilient landscapes.

Funding is available for projects including:

• Fencing to protect creek lines, riparian vegetation and revegetation.
• Revegetation using native tube stock to restore riparian areas and help address rising salinity.
• Constructing stock crossings to reduce erosion and sediment entering waterways.
• Relocating livestock watering points away from creeks and rivers.

All Kangaroo Island landholders are eligible to apply, with priority given to projects within northern catchments and works that benefit threatened ecological communities and species.

For Wisanger farmers Paul and Bek Bott, the grants have helped turn long-term conservation goals into practical improvements that are benefiting both their farming business and the surrounding environment.

Over the past several years, the Botts have protected more than 15 hectares of Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaved Mallee Woodland and restored more than four hectares of riparian vegetation through the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board's On-ground Works Grants Program and the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Recovery Project.

In 2025, they planted more than 2,100 native seedlings across a large riparian restoration project with the help of students from Kangaroo Island Community Education and volunteers from the Wisanger Sports Club. The project included more than 40 native plant species, including the nationally endangered Small-flower Daisy-bush (Olearia microdisca).

The restoration work is improving water quality, helping reduce salinity, providing shelter for livestock, creating habitat for native wildlife and beneficial pollinators, and reconnecting remnant native vegetation across the landscape.

This year, the Botts are continuing the work by planting another 2,000 native seedlings to restore additional riparian habitat and establish stock shelterbelts.

Wisanger farmer Bek Bott said restoring waterways had delivered benefits well beyond the creek line.

"Looking after our waterways benefits everything else on the property. The revegetation is helping improve water quality, reduce erosion and salinity, provide shelter for livestock and create habitat for native wildlife."

Mrs Bott said the grants had enabled their family to undertake projects that would have been difficult to complete without financial assistance.

"The funding gave us the confidence to think bigger. Restoring creek lines is a significant investment, but it's one that delivers long-term benefits for the whole farm."

She said involving the community had made the project even more rewarding.

"Having local students and volunteers help plant thousands of seedlings was incredibly rewarding. It wasn't just about putting plants in the ground—it was about helping people understand why healthy waterways matter and creating something the whole community can be proud of."

Mrs Bott encouraged other farmers and landholders to consider applying.

"You don't have to start with a huge project. Every section of creek line that's protected or restored contributes to healthier landscapes, healthier farms and healthier waterways. These grants are a great opportunity to get started."

Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Narrow-leaved Mallee Project Officer Kym Lashmar said healthy waterways were some of the most valuable assets on any farming property.

"Healthy riparian areas are fundamental to productive and resilient farms. They protect water quality, reduce erosion, help manage salinity, provide shelter for livestock and create habitat for native plants, pollinators and wildlife."

Mr Lashmar said investing in creek lines delivered benefits that extended well beyond individual properties.

"Healthy waterways support healthier catchments. Every project helps strengthen the natural systems that agriculture relies on, while protecting some of Kangaroo Island's unique native species and ecological communities."

He said the grants were designed to help landholders turn practical ideas into lasting on-ground improvements.

"Many landholders know what they'd like to do on their property, but cash flow can make it difficult to get started. These grants are designed to remove some of that barrier by supporting practical projects that deliver long-term benefits for both farming enterprises and the environment."

Mr Lashmar encouraged landholders to consider projects of all sizes.

"Whether it's fencing a short stretch of creek line, planting native vegetation, building a stock crossing or relocating a water point, every project contributes to healthier waterways and more resilient farming landscapes. Collectively, these projects are making a lasting difference across Kangaroo Island."

Applications open on 14 September 2026 and close on Sunday 11 October 2026.

Further information, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, will be available through the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board when applications open.

Applications must be submitted via SmartyGrantsonline using the link, or via the KI Landscape Board website.

This project is funded by the South Australian Government.