-Steven Lynch, Director of Conservation at Trust for Nature, available for comment
- a new conservation project will protect 4,000 ha of habitat on private land by 2030 in Victoria
- habitat includes homes for critically endangered wildlife like the Plains-wanderer
- Trust for Nature will work with landholders to protect habitat forever conservation covenants
Some of Australia’s most threatened wildlife and plants have a brighter future thanks to a new project that will protect their habitat by working collaboratively with Victorian landholders.
Conservation organisation Trust for Nature, in partnership with the Victorian Government and supported by Catchment Management Authorities, will permanently protect 4,000 hectares (ha) of habitat on private land by 2030, contributing to the global goal to protect 30% of land for conservation by 2030.
The $13 million project is funded through the Australian Government’s $250 million Australian Bushland Program.
"We know that a large proportion of Australia’s native species are found on private land, so partnering with landholders is essential to protect the habitats they depend on," said Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt.
"I’m proud we will be helping protect 4,000 hectares of unique habitat including the critically endangered grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains.
"When governments work together with landholders we can achieve great things for the environment. I look forward to more private land being voluntarily protected as we work towards our goal of protecting 30% of land by 2030.”
Critically endangered flora and fauna like the Plains-wanderer and threatened ecosystems like the grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains are some of the targets for the project.
“Without protecting their habitat, we risk losing these unique animals and plants that make Victoria’s environment so special,” said Corinne Proske, CEO of Trust for Nature.
“These ecosystems are not well-protected in other reserves such as national parks. There is a huge opportunity to work with private landholders to increase the amount of habitat that is protected forever and give these species a fighting chance.”
Trust for Nature will work with landholders in the Riverina (north of Bendigo between Swan Hill and Echuca), Southern Volcanic Plain (west of Melbourne between the Otways and Ballarat) and Naracoorte Coastal Plain (west of Portland along the South Australian border).
Habitat in these areas will be protected under conservation covenants, an agreement with landholders to protect and manage habitat that is registered on the property title. The covenant continues to protect habitat when the property changes owners.
“From volcanic plains grasslands to rare sedge wetlands and box gum woodlands, we’re proud to partner with Trust for Nature to protect native habitats in a combined area the size of the City of Melbourne,” said Enver Erdogan, Victorian Minister for Environment.
“This project will help landholders lead the way in protecting nature at their doorsteps, for future generations to cherish.”
Through the Australian Bushland Program, Trust for Nature will also pilot a new approach to protecting habitat, other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). These are long-term agreements with landholders to manage habitat for conservation, including through weed and pest control and revegetation. Alongside conservation covenants and Land for Wildlife, OECMs will provide further opportunities for Trust for Nature to work with private landholders to achieve more and better conservation outcomes on private land in Victoria.
