Southern Lakes Sanctuary, an organization which represents over 100 community groups, landowners and businesses, will receive $600,000 annually and Predator Free Dunedin, a conservation collective of more than 20 organisations, $500,000 annually through Council's Large-scale Environmental Fund.

The organisations were approached through the fund's targeted investment process, reflecting their established operations, existing partnerships and ability to deliver environmental work at scale.

Councillor Robbie Byers says the priority is ensuring public funding delivers measurable results.

"With this funding already provided for in Council's budget, our responsibility is to ensure it is invested effectively. These organisations have established infrastructure, expertise and other funding in place, allowing Council's contribution to build on existing work rather than duplicate it.”

"We expect a high standard of accountability, clear deliverables and evidence that the investment is achieving meaningful environmental outcomes."

Councillor Chanel Gardner says the Governance Group considers both proposals sound investments within the existing funding framework, while recognising the need for a wider conversation about Council's future role.

"These are significant commitments of ratepayer money, and we have set a high bar for delivery and value for money.”

"Otago has many organisations and communities undertaking important environmental work. How that work is funded, prioritised and coordinated across the region, and what role Council should play, are questions we believe the people of Otago should have the opportunity to consider through the next Long-term Plan.”

"These decisions don't predetermine that wider discussion."

The projects

Southern Lakes Sanctuary - $1.8 million over three years

The programme will maintain predator suppression across approximately 250,000 hectares in Wānaka, Hāwea and Whakatipu and extend active suppression by a further 50,000 hectares, supported by additional traps, monitoring technology and threatened species recovery work.

Predator Free Dunedin – $1.5 million over three years

Funding will support multi-species elimination work across approximately 10,000 hectares, including a core 3,180-hectare area targeting possums, stoats and feral cats, while protecting gains on the Otago Peninsula and at Orokonui Ecosanctuary.

Funding oversight

Both proposals were assessed against the fund's approved criteria and recommended to Council by the Large-scale Environmental Fund Governance Group.

Funding is subject to three-year agreements, annual work programmes, measurable deliverables, confirmation of co-investment, staged payments and regular financial and outcome reporting.

The organisations will also explore opportunities to share expertise and systems with other environmental initiatives across Otago, within their approved programmes and without additional Council funding for that collaboration.