On-ground works funding available for KI landholders

Funding is available for projects that help with the recovery of Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaved Mallee Woodland or threatened plant species. 

Eligible projects include:

• fencing remnant native vegetation in patches, shelterbelts and along watercourses to provide protection from livestock

• fencing to protect revegetation from livestock and native browsers

• fencing to support ecological restoration of old and/or deteriorating native vegetation

• planting native trees and shrubs to restore natural habitats or create vegetation corridors.

The Board will prioritise projects benefiting Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaved Mallee habitat or threatened species.

Funding is limited and will be allocated based on project outcomes.

Applications open on Monday, 4 August 2025 and close on Sunday, 31 August 2025.

Simon Veitch, 41, who runs a family farm with his wife Marissa in MacGillivray and Haines, is a past recipient of the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board's on-ground works grants to complete remnant vegetation protection and revegetation projects on his property.

Over the years, Simon and Marissa have protected over 30 hectares of KI Narrow-leaved Mallee Woodland and revegetated almost 3 hectares.

The revegetation has been successful, serving as a good showcase of how it can be implemented within a farm landscape to benefit the environment, water quality, and farm production.

"Funding from the on-ground works program has made a big difference," Simon said.

"The money we spend on land care for the farm comes off our bottom line, so this funding opportunity goes a long way and certainly helps us get good outcomes, he said.

Apart from the environmental outcomes, Simon said the funding has also helped to improve livestock management on the farm.

"Sheep graze the understory out of shelter belts, with wind blowing straight underneath," Simon said.

"Fencing off the shelter belts and doing some revegetation provides more protection for stock," he said.

"Good biodiversity outcomes provide good farm outcomes.”

Simon said funding for fencing has also helped with splitting paddocks, which has helped with biosecurity and would encourage other landholders to apply for on-ground works funding. All on-ground works grant applications must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal: https://landscape.smartygrants.com.au/OGW_2025-26  

Further details are available from the KI Landscape Board website at: www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ki/community-connections/funding/kangaroo-island-on-ground-works-funding,  or call in to the KI Landscape office at 35 Dauncey Street, Kingscote, or phone: (08) 8553 2476, or email: KI.Landscapeboard@sa.gov.au.