Request for Proposals: Biosecurity Projects Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Sep-26

The Biosecurity Projects Grant supports landholders and community organisations in the Gympie region to improve local biosecurity through coordinated pest animal control, pest plant control, and biocontrol activities. Grants of up to $2,500 per syndicate are available for collaborative projects that include a minimum 12-month pest management plan.

About the Biosecurity Projects Grant

The program, offered by Gympie Regional Council, aims to strengthen regional biosecurity by encouraging landholders and community organisations to work together on pest management. The grant supports projects that reduce the impact of invasive pests and improve the long-term management of biosecurity threats across the Gympie region. Supported projects must involve ongoing management rather than one-off control activities. What Projects Does the Grant Support? Projects must address at least one of the following priority areas: Pest animal control – coordinated activities to manage invasive or pest animal populations. Pest plant control – projects targeting invasive or pest plant species. Biocontrol release and monitoring – activities involving the release and monitoring of biological control agents. Ongoing pest management – every project must include a management plan covering at least 12 months. Projects should demonstrate how collaboration between landholders or community organisations will produce better biosecurity outcomes. Essential equipment required to deliver the project. Activities directly associated with approved biosecurity work. Equipment necessary for pest control or biocontrol activities. However, applicants should note that one-off consumables may not be supported, and fuel purchases are not eligible. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must establish a syndicate to undertake the proposed biosecurity project.

A syndicate must include:

At least two landowners, with each landowner owning a separate property; and/or Not-for-profit community organisations working with landholders on the project. The project must be implemented within the Gympie region. The individual or organisation responsible for managing the grant must also take responsibility for: Managing the funded project. Meeting grant conditions. Providing required reports. Completing the final grant acquittal. Key Eligibility Requirements Before applying, applicants should ensure that: The project takes place within the Gympie region. The application is submitted by an eligible syndicate. At least two separate landowners and/or eligible not-for-profit community organisations are involved. The project addresses pest animals, pest plants, or biocontrol. A pest management plan covering at least 12 months is included. All compulsory supporting documents are provided. Requested equipment is essential to project delivery. What the Grant Does Not Fund Some expenses are excluded or may not be supported.

These include:

Fuel purchases, which are specifically ineligible. One-off-use consumables, which may not be supported. Activities that do not occur within the Gympie region. Projects that do not include the required ongoing pest management approach. Applicants should carefully check the current grant guidelines before preparing their budget. How Applications Are Assessed Applications undergo an eligibility check before being assessed by a panel of relevant Gympie Regional Council staff.

Funding decisions consider:

Whether the application meets eligibility requirements. The quality and relevance of the proposed project. The assessment criteria for the program. The level of demand for funding. Available grant funds. Council priorities. Whether compulsory supporting documentation has been supplied. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not necessarily guarantee funding. How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Form an eligible syndicate involving at least two landowners of separate properties and/or eligible not-for-profit community organisations. Identify the biosecurity issue the project will address, such as pest animals or invasive plants. Develop a 12-month pest management plan explaining how the issue will be managed beyond the initial grant-funded activities. Prepare the project budget, ensuring that requested equipment is essential to delivery and excluding fuel. Collect supporting documents required by Council. Submit the application through the Council’s designated application process. If successful, deliver the approved project and maintain appropriate records. Complete reporting and acquittal requirements through the organisation or individual responsible for the grant. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can improve their proposal by clearly demonstrating the long-term biosecurity benefits of the project.

Consider the following:

Clearly identify the pest animal or plant problem affecting the participating properties. Explain why a collaborative syndicate approach is needed. Provide a practical 12-month management strategy. Explain how requested equipment will directly contribute to project outcomes. Demonstrate the expected environmental and community benefits. Provide realistic and clearly justified costs. Avoid including fuel or potentially ineligible one-off consumables in the funding request. Submit every compulsory supporting document before the deadline. Why the Biosecurity Projects Grant Matters Effective biosecurity depends on coordinated action across property boundaries. Pest animals and invasive plants can spread between properties, making isolated control efforts less effective. By supporting groups of landholders and community organisations, the Gympie Biosecurity Projects Grant encourages coordinated pest management and longer-term planning. The requirement for a 12-month management plan also helps ensure that funded activities contribute to sustained biosecurity outcomes rather than short-term intervention. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding is available? The program provid