Conservation Council ACT Region 2026-27 ACT Budget Submission

The Conservation Council of the ACT Region has made a submission to the ACT Government calling for an increased, long-term funding for nature in the 2026-27 ACT Budget, to protect and restore biodiversity and rapidly reduce emissions. You can read our full submission here.

The Council is increasingly concerned about an imminent funding cliff for critical invasive species management programs and biosecurity positions within the City and Environment Directorate. The submission also outlines the need for a significant and sustained uplift in funding for nature restoration to achieve the ‘Nature Positive’ future set out in the new draft ACT Nature Conservation Strategy, including increased resourcing for the ACT Parks and Conservation Service.

The submission further recognises that ACT community and environment organisations continue to face significant funding constraints and uncertainty due to a lack of Government support. The Council urges the ACT Government to provide a substantiveincrease in funding in the 2026-27 Budget to ensure their long-term, sustainable operation.

The Council’s submission advocates for the 2026-27 ACT Budget to include: 

1. Funding extensions for terminating programs within the City and Environment Directorate 
2. Resourcing to implement the new draft ACT Nature Conservation Strategy 2026-2036 and the forthcoming ACT Climate Change Strategy 2026-35 
3. Long-term operational funding certainty for Canberra-based community and environmental organisations 
4. Immediate funding to deliver the Government’s outstanding 2025 election commitments, including increased funding for weed management and additional ranger positions

Click here to read the full submission.