Partners invited to help protect more of Australia's high biodiversity land

The Albanese Government is taking another step towards achieving our ambitious target to protect and conserve 30 per cent of our land and 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030, with a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) now open for strategic land purchases. Achieving this target is crucial to reverse environmental decline and protect Australia's native plants, animals and other species from extinction.

Almost 25 per cent of Australia’s total landmass is now protected but we need an additional 39 million hectares of land to meet the 30 by 30 target. It is important that this additional land acquired is strategic, in areas of particular importance for biodiversity. Strategic land purchases are a component of the Albanese Government’s Australian Bushland Program which is investing $250 million to boost conservation and protect more land.

Late last year, the Government sought feedback from potential partners on the design of the strategic land purchase component. We’re now seeking to shortlist potential purchasing partners with the capability, capacity and experience to work with the Government to purchase and protect properties for conservation. Purchases will be made from willing sellers only, with properties required to meet the Australian Bushland Program’s criteria for identifying the most important areas for addition to our National Reserve System of protected areas.

The REOI is open until 3 August 2026 on Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Minister Watt said the investment in strategic land purchases is further evidence of the Albanese Government taking action to meet its 30 by 30 land target. “The Albanese Government’s Australian Bushland Program is investing $250 million to boost conservation and protecting precious natural habitat for threatened species and future generations,” Minister Watt said.

“We are keen to partner with eligible organisations with experience in purchasing, protecting and managing land to deliver biodiversity and conservation outcomes. “I encourage interested organisations to respond to this REOI through AusTender and work with us to help secure and protect our most important land for biodiversity.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.