Expression of Interest Conservation Grazing Program 2027
Expression of Interest: Conservation Grazing Program 2027
Work with Parks Victoria to manage nationally significant native grasslands
Parks Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from farmers interested in partnering with us to manage native grasslands across the Patho Plains and lower Avoca Plains, west of Kerang.
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.
The most successful outcomes are achieved when Parks Victoria and farmers work together. We are looking for farmers whose livestock enterprise and grazing practices can align with the timing and management requirements needed to achieve conservation objectives.
Grazing agreements will be available across approximately 6,000 hectares of native grasslands for a three-year contract period.
Expression of Interest Process
Information session
Parks Victoria will host an information session for farmers interested in participating in the 2027 Conservation Grazing Program.
The information session provides an opportunity to:
- learn about the conservation outcomes Parks Victoria is seeking to achieve
- understand how strategic grazing contributes to native grassland management
- discuss contract requirements and grazing expectations
- share knowledge and experience in managing native grasslands
- determine whether the grazing arrangements align with your farming system.
Farmers with dry stock available to graze when biomass reduction is required may find these arrangements particularly suitable.
Information session details
10:00 am to 11:30 am, Thursday 29 October
Mitiamo Recreation Reserve, 50 Glossop Street, Mitiamo
To register: https://www.trybooking.com/DQJUP
Attendance at the information session is 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.
Submitting an expression of interest
The Expression of Interest (EOI) form and information about each grazing area will be available on our 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
Closing date
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.
Assessment and interviews
Expressions of interest will be assessed against the information provided in the application and the applicant's capacity to meet the grazing objectives.
Participation in the information workshop will be considered favourably as part of the assessment process, as it demonstrates an understanding of the program's conservation outcomes and management requirements.
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.
Grazing contracts
Applicants should review the Biomass Reduction Contract before submitting an expression of interest.
Successful applicants will be offered a contract commencing in early 2027.
A copy of the contract is available with the application documents.
More information
For more information about the Conservation Grazing Program, send an email to grazing@parks.vic.gov.au.
To book a site inspection or ask any questions, contact Ben Hodgens on 03 8427 2469.