The land that provides us with food and fibre is also the habitat for countless threatened species – although pests, fire and climate change mean their future is unsure.
While more than 60 per cent of land is privately owned or managed, less than 2 per cent is permanently protected for nature.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
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.
People are already conserving parts of their properties, caring for the land and ensuring that important wildlife habitats are permanently protected for future generations.
Indigenous organisations and groups are continuing custodian work, caring for Country in ways that ensure a future for community, culture and wildlife.
Land trusts, conservation groups and volunteer organisations are working hard to create wildlife sanctuaries across the country.
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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