The Federal Government has revealed more details about how its billion-dollar investment in Landcare will be spent.

The bulk of it — $450 million — will go to the Regional Land Partnerships Program which currently funds the Government's network of 56 natural resource management (NRM) organisations.

But it remains unclear how that money will be allocated, which conservation objectives will take priority, and whether groups other than the NRM organisations will be able to access any of that money.

The Government says those questions will be resolved over coming months, during "extensive" consultations with the sector and the community.

Of the $1 billion for Landcare out to 2023 first announced in the 2017 Budget, $5 million will be shared among community and volunteer groups in grants of up to $50,000.

The Regional Land Partnerships Program has scooped the bulk of Landcare's restored funding. ( ABC: John Bean )

Indigenous Protected Areas receive ongoing funding

The 2017 Budget contained $15 million for new Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA) but made no mention of ongoing funding for existing IPAs, leading to concern and uncertainty for rangers and conservationists.



Now, the Government has confirmed that $93 million out of the Landcare pool will be allocated "to the ongoing support of existing IPAs".

A further $47.4 million will be allocated to the management of Australian World Heritage sites, while another $24.7 will be added to funding for the Reef 2050 sustainability plan.

"This next phase of the program will help Landcare, farmer groups and Indigenous communities continue their valuable work of delivering on-ground biodiversity and sustainable agricultural outcomes that benefit both our communities and our environment," Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg said in a statement.

Rebuilding Landcare after deep cuts

Landcare was gutted in the controversial 2014 budget, losing almost $500 million in funding and facing further cuts in later years.

The 2017 budget announcement of a billion-dollar investment, keeping Landcare funded at current levels out to 2023, was welcomed by the volunteer groups which have driven the network since its creation.

Farmers have been integral to the program since it was created by the National Farmers Federation and Australian Conservation Foundation in 1989.

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said in a statement that the program recognises the "significant contribution to the protection of vital assets such as soils, water, vegetation and biodiversity".

The Government said the agriculture component of the new Landcare program is still being finalised, and will be announced in coming weeks.