Protecting nature on our land

Let’s invest in landholders who make space for nature

We're creating a legacy for all Australians

The land that provides us with food and fibre, and that underpins our economy and social wellbeing, is also the habitat for countless threatened species.

While more than 60 per cent of land is privately owned or managed, less than 2 per cent is permanently protected for nature.

But thousands of landholders across Australia are working together to permanently secure a future for our wildlife.

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Places we protect

Grasslands of Victoria

Native grasslands are often home to a great number of plants and animals – it’s possible to find more than 25 species in a square meter. In far North-Western Victoria, Drew Gailey is protecting some of the last native grasslands in the state, by placing a conservation covenant on his land.

 

 

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Grasslands on Patho Plains. Credit: Trust for Nature
Credit: Woomargama Station

Open woodlands of Southern NSW

The endangered masked owl is the second-largest owl in the world, and lives in open woodland. It perches on lower branches of trees and catches small animals at the forest's edge. On her farm in Southern NSW, Clare Cannon has placed a permanent conservation agreement over one-third of the property, protecting the rare, boxy woodland habitat that the masked owl requires.

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Wetlands of the Murrumbidgee Valley

Located in south-west NSW, Gayini is the largest remaining wetlands in the Murrumbidgee Valley. The property is home to a wealth of Indigenous cultural heritage - from sacred canoe scar trees to ancient mounds and camp sites. In 2019, Gayini was handed back to the Nari Nari people, who now manage the land using both traditional and modern techniques to protect wildlife as well as graze and grow crops for income.

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Pacific Black Ducks, Great Cormorans, Black Swans and Australian Pelicans at Gayini. Credit: Annette Ruzicka

People who protect

Credit: Esther Beaton

Clare Cannon

Southern NSW

"One of the ways we have marketed our property is through its biodiversity. We are setting the way for farmers, giving them confidence you can be profitable and have a covenant."

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Eddy and Donna. Credit: Eddy Wajon

Eddy and Donna Wajon

South Western WA

"I thought wouldn't it be great to own and look after this place. How great to say we own this patch of bush and are responsible for looking after it."

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Credit: Strathallan Family Landcare

Drew Gailey

North Western Victoria

"We have less than 1 per cent of native grasslands left in Victoria. These grasslands are our version of the rainforest in terms of the huge diversity of plants and animals they support."

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Working together for our land

Across the country there are thousands of landholders – families, farmers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations, nature conservancies, scientists and businesses – all choosing to make space for nature and preserve our natural legacy.

Credit: Marj Lite

Individuals

People are already conserving parts of their properties, caring for the land and ensuring that important wildlife habitats are permanently protected for future generations.

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Traditional Owners

Indigenous organisations and groups are continuing custodian work, caring for Country in ways that ensure a future for community, culture and wildlife.

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Credit: Nicole Motteux

Groups and Organisations

Land trusts, conservation groups and volunteer organisations are working hard to create wildlife sanctuaries across the country.

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We need to support more landholders to permanently secure a future for our wildlife.

With greater government investment and support, we can build on the practical hard work of thousands of passionate and dedicated people who have a direct connection to their land and want to ensure its protection by growing the network of landholders protecting and managing land for conservation. Together we can increase the amount of land that is voluntarily permanently protected.

Government investing in voluntary permanent protection enables these landholders to diversify their income, fosters practical land management, creates local employment and support the long-term productivity and resilience of Australia’s thriving rural landscapes.

It’s time for Australia to invest in a legacy that we can all be proud of.

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