- Applications now open for Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants of up to $200,000
- Funding to support longer-term projects strengthening the resilience of Western Australia's native wildlife
- Part of the Cook Labor Government's $2 million Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants package
- Cook Labor Government strengthening protection for Western Australia's wildlife and biodiversity
Applications are now open for grants of up to $200,000 to support longer-term projects that strengthen the resilience of Western Australia's native wildlife to the impacts of H5 bird flu.
The larger grants are the second stream of the Cook Labor Government's $2 million Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants package, which is supporting wildlife rehabilitators and community organisations to prepare for the potential impacts of H5 bird flu.
Applications for smaller grants of between $1,500 and $10,000 opened last week, providing licensed wildlife rehabilitators with support for immediate activities including improved biosecurity, training, personal protective equipment and other essential consumables.
The larger grants opening today will support eligible organisations with demonstrated experience in wildlife management to deliver strategic, longer-term projects that improve the resilience of native wildlife populations.
Projects designed to enhance the resilience of native species by reducing other pressures, including mitigating the impacts of feral animals, may be considered for funding.
A virtual information session for interested applicants will be held on 24 August 2026, providing an opportunity to learn more about the grants and ask questions.
The session will also be recorded and made available for organisations unable to attend.
The grants package forms part of the Cook Labor Government's co-ordinated response to H5 bird flu, which also includes:
- regular engagement with the poultry industry, local governments, veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators, including webinars and community forums;
- enhanced surveillance and testing across the State, supported by trained field teams, expanded laboratory capacity and increased supplies of sampling equipment and personal protective equipment;
- additional training for response personnel in safe sampling techniques, biosecurity procedures and the correct use of personal protective equipment;
- Divisional Commands established in Perth, Esperance, Albany, Bunbury and Geraldton to co-ordinate regional operations, with additional capability in northern Western Australia ready to be activated if required;
- increased surveillance capacity across the metropolitan area, South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Mid West, including joint Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions monitoring at priority coastal and island locations;
- vessels and field teams deployed to locations including Lancelin and Edwards Island to monitor wildlife populations and identify signs of illness or unusual mortality;
- a central bird flu website and weekly public updates providing clear information and helping Western Australians contribute to early detection;
- a stakeholder communications toolkit providing consistent, practical information for industry, community organisations and other partners to share through their networks;
- regular engagement with the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases and the National Management Group;
- the establishment of a new bird flu advisory group to strengthen collaboration with the wildlife sector: and
- a bird flu vaccination trial for three threatened black cockatoo species at Perth Zoo.
Further information on the package, including instructions on how to apply and a list of eligible activities, will be made available at www.wa.gov.au/birdflu
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"We are continuing to strengthen Western Australia's preparedness for bird flu.
"These larger grants will help build the resilience of vulnerable native species, which is an important part of reducing the broader impacts of bird flu across Western Australia.
"Bird flu has had devastating consequences overseas, and our government will continue working closely with industry to strengthen biosecurity, protect our poultry sector and prepare for the challenges ahead."
Comments attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Our native wildlife faces a range of pressures and H5 bird flu presents another serious threat that we need to prepare for.
"These grants will support organisations with the expertise and experience to deliver meaningful projects that improve the resilience of vulnerable species.
"I encourage interested organisations to attend the information session on 24 August to learn more about the program and the types of projects that may be eligible for funding."
