Expression of Interest: Conservation Grazing Program 2027

Overview Parks Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from farmers interested in partnering to manage nationally significant native grasslands across the Patho Plains and lower Avoca Plains, west of Kerang, under the Conservation Grazing Program 2027. About Strategic grazing by sheep or cattle is a key land management tool used to maintain healthy native grasslands and support important conservation outcomes. Carefully managed grazing helps control grass biomass and create habitat conditions that benefit threatened plants and animals, including the endangered Plains-wanderer. Purpose The most successful outcomes are achieved when Parks Victoria and farmers work together. Parks Victoria is looking for farmers whose livestock enterprise and grazing practices can align with the timing and management requirements needed to achieve conservation objectives. Scope The scope includes: Grazing agreements across approximately 6,000 hectares of native grasslands across the Patho Plains and lower Avoca Plains, west of Kerang A three-year contract period Strategic grazing by sheep or cattle to control grass biomass and maintain habitat conditions that support conservation outcomes Contractor Requirements Livestock enterprise and grazing practices able to align with the timing and management requirements needed to achieve conservation objectives Farmers with dry stock available to graze when biomass reduction is required may find these arrangements particularly suitable Capacity to meet the grazing objectives, as assessed against the information provided in the application Tender Briefing Parks Victoria will host an information session for farmers interested in participating in the 2027 Conservation Grazing Program. The session provides an opportunity to learn about the conservation outcomes being sought, understand how strategic grazing contributes to native grassland management, discuss contract requirements and grazing expectations, share knowledge and experience in managing native grasslands, and determine whether the grazing arrangements align with your farming system. Date: Thursday 29 October Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am Location: Mitiamo Recreation Reserve, 50 Glossop Street, Mitiamo Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/DQJUP Attendance: Encouraged but not mandatory Farmers who are unable to attend are encouraged to contact Parks Victoria to discuss the program and contract requirements before submitting an expression of interest. Participation in the information session will be considered favourably as part of the assessment process, as it demonstrates an understanding of the program's conservation outcomes and management requirements. How to Apply The Expression of Interest (EOI) form and information about each grazing area will be available on the Parks Victoria website after the information session. EOI submissions can be lodged via: Email: grazing@parks.vic.gov.au Post: Biomass Reduction EOI, Parks Victoria, PO Box 138, Echuca VIC 3564 All EOI submissions must be received by 12.00 pm AEDST, Wednesday 18 November 2026. Applicants will receive confirmation that their submission has been received. Expressions of interest will be assessed against the information provided in the application and the applicant's capacity to meet the grazing objectives. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in early December 2026. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by their preferred contact method. Applicants should review the Biomass Reduction Contract before submitting an expression of interest. A copy of the contract is available with the application documents. Successful applicants will be offered a contract commencing in early 2027. Enquiries For more information about the Conservation Grazing Program, email grazing@parks.vic.gov.au. To book a site inspection or ask any questions, contact Ben Hodgens on 03 8427 2469.