Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund (WAF) provides funding for weed management projects. The grant is a Tasmanian Government initiative. It aims to protect the state’s agricultural, horticultural, and environmental assets from weeds.

The program’s objective is to provide a strategic approach to tackling high-priority weeds. It supports projects that improve the productive value of agricultural land. The grant encourages a concept of shared responsibility for weed management.

The fund supports landholders and organisations in taking sustainable, long-term actions. The broader role of the grant is to help control the spread of invasive weeds across Tasmania. It also helps to maintain biosecurity.

WAF Stage 3 (2025–2027)

Stage 3 is the current phase of the fund. It has $1.4 million in government funding. The money will be spent over two years. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas) manages the fund.

The first round of Stage 3 grants opened in May 2025. This round provided $1.19 million for six major weed projects. These projects focus on specific areas and weed types.

The six main projects for Stage 3 are:

• North-West and Western Tasmania Priority Weeds
• Furneaux Islands Priority Weeds
• Invasive Perennial Grasses—Northern and Western Tasmania
• Invasive Perennial Grasses—Southern and Eastern Tasmania
• Foxglove Education and Awareness
• Emerging Priority Weed Threats

Grant recipients must complete their project deliverables by June 30, 2027. Deliverables can include creating project webpages, running workshops, making educational materials, and doing control work on the ground.

Previous Stages

Stage 1 ran from 2018 to 2020. Biosecurity Tasmania delivered it. Stage 2 ran from 2020 to 2025. NRM North delivered it, with help from other NRM groups. Stage 2 projects finished in June 2025. These projects treated priority weeds such as serrated tussock, orange hawkweed, and gorse.

In Stage 2 alone, NRM North supported 61 projects. These projects treated more than 14,000 hectares of land. The Huon Valley Council, a past recipient, received more funding to continue its successful control efforts.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: A total of $1.4 million is allocated for Stage 3 projects. Individual grant amounts are not specified.
• Application open and close dates: The most recent round, Stage 3, Round 1, opened on 5 May 2025 and closed on 26 May 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: Tasmanian-based businesses or organisations with a core focus on rural land or conservation management.
• Required co-contributions: Applicants are expected to co-invest through funds or in-kind support.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Tasmania.

Priority Sectors

The grant is specific to organisations whose core business is rural land management or conservation. Projects must focus on priority weeds in priority regions. The program is not open to other sectors.

Funding Scope

The grant provides a single stream of funding. The total budget for Stage 3 is $1.4 million. This funding will support projects across two years, from July 2025 to June 2027.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding for the current Stage 3 is $1.4 million.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Must be a Tasmanian-based business or organisation. It must be an external body separate from the Tasmanian State Government.
• Registered business location: Must have an established presence in Tasmania.
• ABN/GST status: Must have a current ABN or ACN and be registered for GST.
• Other: Must have an account with an Australian financial institution. Applicants need a letter from a registered accountant to show financial viability.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports activities directly related to on-ground weed management. This includes:

• Project staff and contractor costs.
• Planning and reporting for project components.
• On-ground weed control.
• Educational and awareness activities.
• Weed-suppressing materials and chemicals.
• Tools, equipment, and protective clothing for projects.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive grant. Applications are assessed on their merit. The key evaluation criteria are based on:

• The applicant has a proven record of delivering similar projects.
• The capacity to complete the project within the designated timeframe.
• How the project aligns with program objectives and priority regions.

Recent Program Updates

The Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund Stage 3 has commenced. A total of $1.4 million has been allocated for projects over two years. The first round for Stage 3 is now closed.

Application Tips

• Ensure your organisation’s business focus aligns with rural land or conservation management.
• Show a proven record of successful project delivery.
• Your application should clearly show how you can deliver all project components.
• Highlight your experience in strategic resource allocation and project reporting.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the NRE Tasmania website for application forms, guidelines, and further information.