Boolcoomatta Reserve Homestead, South Australia | Nick Rains
Private landholders, passionate and knowledgeable about their land, are playing an ever more important role in building the National Reserve System.
Whilst national parks and reserves are the backbone of the National Reserve System network, many vulnerable plants, animals and critical habitats exist only on private land that is not for sale. Increasingly farmers and graziers are finding an alternative route to conservation, by voluntarily placing perpetual covenants over parts of their working properties. In this way, they know that they are helping to protect valuable habitat and leaving the land better off for future generations.
Landholders have received government support, which can include relief from rates and taxes, equipment and expert advice. Local partners help draw up management plans which take into account both the need to manage for conservation with the fundamental requirement to maintain a viable working property.
These farmers are finding it possible to look after the environment and run a profitable business at the same time. Many farmers are finding new markets and a 'green' profit premium by badging their products as environmentally sustainable.
Adding private land to the National Reserve System
Private landholders retain ownership of their properties, but enter into a voluntary conservation agreement.
Depending on the arrangements in each of the states various organisations from the state conservation agency, Natural Resource Management Groups, Catchment Management Authorities, farming organisations and other local environment organisations will help you draw up a management plan for your property. They will also advise you on appropriate government funding.
Conservation covenants for farmers
A conservation covenant is a voluntary agreement between a landholder and the state or territory to conserve the natural environment on the property. It becomes a legally binding commitment tied to the title of the land in perpetuity. Future owners, therefore, are also bound to the conservation management commitment.
Ownership and management of land rests with the landholder who agrees to meet international standards in conservation management.
The security of a protected area brought into the National Reserve System is fundamental and requires areas to be 'managed by legal or other effective means' for the long term. The contract will be a public document often involving the state or territory conservation agency. The standards for security are contained in the Standards for inclusion in the National Reserve System (PDF - 43 KB)
All Australian governments are recognising the importance and value of engaging farmers and graziers and their expertise to help achieve regional, state and national conservation objectives through conservation covenants.
More information on covenanting programs :