Threatened species research grants
The Queensland Threatened Species Research Grants provide funding of up to $150,000 (excluding GST) to eligible recipients for research projects to improve understanding of Queensland’s threatened flora and fauna species and to improve their conservation and recovery. A total of up to $500,000 in funding is available in this round of grants.
Projects funded will be those that undertake research activities and develop actionable information to assist with the recovery of one or more threatened species in the wild.
For the purposes of this grants program, threatened species are classified as those listed as threatened under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA) or those that occur in Queensland and are listed as threatened under the Commonwealth Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The EPBC and Nature Conservation (Animals) and Nature Conservation (Plants) Regulations provide lists of species that have been classified as threatened.
Threatened species are listed in the following categories:
- extinct
- extinct in the wild
- critically endangered
- endangered
- vulnerable.
More information is available in the Queensland Threatened Species Research Grants guidelines .
All applications must be submitted using the online SmartyGrants application system.
Applications close at 4pm on 24 February 2023.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for the grant?
Read the Queensland Threatened Species Research Grants guidelines .
Apply online using the SmartyGrants application system.
Applications close at 4pm on 24 February 2023.
What can the funding be used for?
The grant funding must be used to undertake research activities and develop actionable information assisting the recovery of one or more species listed as threatened under either the Commonwealth Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or the Queensland Government’s Nature Conservation Act 1992 (referred to as ‘threatened species’ herein).
Projects should align with the Research prospectus for Queensland threatened species and conservation estate .
Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
- Testing a specific hypothesis to improve the recovery of threatened species in Queensland.
- Identifying effective mitigation methods for threatening processes.
- Developing new methods to improve detection, monitoring or mitigation of threats to threatened species.
- Providing new information on the distribution, abundance, biology and/or ecology of threatened species.
Can the funding support on-ground threatened species recovery actions?
No. The funding is specifically for research activities, not for direct funding or subsidising of on-ground recovery actions. On-ground management or conservation activities will only be funded in the context of a research framework.
Can someone from the department help me to develop my application?
To maintain fairness and the integrity of the application process, we cannot provide applicants with individual assistance to develop their applications for funding. However, if you have general questions, please contact threatened.species@des.qld.gov.au
How do I address GST in my budget table?
You are required to list out the GST exclusive amounts of your project expenses into the budget table contained in the application form. If you have quotes for contractors, please ensure that they are transferred into your budget table as GST exclusive amounts only.
This does not mean that you will need to cover for the GST component of the project costs. If your application is successful and you enter into a grant agreement, when it comes time to receive payment you will submit a tax invoice to the Department seeking payment for the project costs (GST exclusive as per your approved application) plus GST. The GST expense will be paid in addition to the approved project costs as detailed in your application.
I’m having trouble creating, or getting into my account, or completing an online form on SmartyGrants. What do I do?
If you experience technical difficulties when using SmartyGrants, such as creating an account or completing an online form, please contact SmartyGrants directly on (03) 9320 6888 or refer to the Help Guide for Applicants.
How do I add attachments to my SmartyGrants application?
SmartyGrants will accept most document types such as PDF documents, jpeg files etc. Files can be up to 25MB each; however, files up to a maximum of 5MB are recommended—the larger the file, the longer it takes to attach.
Some requested document fields are mandatory and failure to attach them will prohibit you from successfully submitting your application.
The application form requires you to add attachments at the time you are responding to the question to which they relate.
If my application is successful, what happens next?
The process for successful applicants is outlined in the ‘Grants agreements and the provision of funding’ section of the Threatened Species Research Grants guidelines .
Are the Threatened Species Research grants the same grant as the Biodiversity Conservation Program (Flood Recovery) Grants?
No these are separate grant programs with different funds and objectives.
How are the Threatened Species Research grants different from the Biodiversity Conservation Program (Flood Recovery)?
| Threatened Species Research Grants | Biodiversity Conservation Program (Flood Recovery) |
|---|---|---|
Aim | Aims to fund research projects which will improve understanding of Queensland’s threatened species and assist in their conservation and recovery | Aims to assess or address flood impacts from the 2021/22 severe weather season on threatened species. Including but not limited to, threatened freshwater turtles, Mary River cod and lungfish. |
Ineligible activities include | Projects that do not have a primary aim of undertaking research relating to threatened species General land management actions outside of a research framework | Projects that do not have a primary aim of benefiting a threatened species. |
Focus area | All of Queensland | Flood affected Local Government Areas, with a focus on the Mary River catchment. |
Available funds | $500,000 total funds Maximum grants of $150,000 | $1,500,000 total funds Maximum grants of $500,000 |
Timeframe | Closes 24 February 2023 Projects complete 30 Jun 2025 | Closes 20 January 2023 Projects complete 30 Jun 2024 |
Assessment criteria | Includes focus on projects which:
In addition to the criteria consideration will also be given to:
Full assessment criteria in Guidelines | Includes focus on impacts from floods and projects which
Full assessment criteria in Guidelines |
Reporting requirements | Six monthly | Monthly |
Guidelines | Biodiversity Conservation Program (Flood Recovery) guidelines |
Can I apply for both the Threatened Species Research Grants and the Biodiversity Conservation Program (Flood Recovery)?
The two grants differ in objectives and approach. If your project can address both sets of aims, eligibility criteria and assessment criteria you can apply for both. However, two grants will not be approved for the same activities.
Further information
If you have any questions relating to these guidelines or if you would like to discuss your application, please contact threatened.species@des.qld.gov.au