Voluntary conservation
Opportunities to enhance private property for the protection of native plants and animals are available through Council's Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation programs.
Land for Wildlife
Land for Wildlife is a free, voluntary, and non-binding program that recognises the importance of habitat protection on private property and aims to encourage and support private landholders and community groups to preserve and restore as much habitat for wildlife as possible on their properties. Properties are assessed against specific criteria and receive access to officer support, incentives and grants.
Is your property eligible for Land for Wildlife?
Bush blocks, farms, schools, golf courses and commercial properties are all eligible to join Land for Wildlife. There must be a willingness to protect and improve all, or part, of your land for nature conservation. In addition to the size and vegetation criteria shown below, other factors include connectivity (proximity to other bushland areas including other Land for Wildlife properties), presence of threatened species, habitat for threatened species, waterways, educational or broader community values.
Land for wildlife criteria
This criteria is also required for a Voluntary Conservation Agreement.
| Land for wildlife registration |
Land for wildlife towards registration |
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One hectare (i.e. 10,000m2 or 2.47 acres) ore more of native vegetation with:
- diverse plant species
- diverse vegetation layers such as ground covers, vines, grasses, tall trees and shrubs
- manageable threats such as weeds, pest animals or soil erosion
- willingness of owners to manage it for conservation
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One hectare or more of native vegetation with:
- limited plant diversity
- limited vegetation layers
- abundant threats (e.g. weeds)
- willingness of owners to restore it for conservation
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Lodging an enquiry
- Sign in to MBRC Online Services (Instructions)
- Go to 'Enquiries'
- Find 'Environment - Voluntary Conservation Programs' and click 'Start' to begin the process.
Lodge an enquiry
Voluntary Conservation Agreements
A Voluntary Conservation Agreement is the highest level of protection of the environmental values on your property through a covenant placed on the title of land in perpetuity. Landowners receive a rate rebate and other incentives, including individual property advice from a Council Environment Officer - Conservation. Registered landowners in the Land for Wildlife program can upgrade to a Voluntary Conservation Agreement to improve the protection and management of significant vegetation.
If interested in a Voluntary Conservation Agreement on your property contact Council on (07) 3205 0555.
Find out more about Voluntary Conservation Program grants.
Bushcare
Bushcare provides community members with the opportunity to take part in hands-on conservation and restoration activities. Volunteering with Bushcare is a fantastic way to meet people with similar interests make new friends, and have fun, with activities tailored to suit your abilities - it's not all about hard work. You also can take part in community education programs, training workshops, and social activities. Council officers will provide you with all the information, equipment, training, and support to become a Bushcare volunteer.
Where is my local Bushcare group?
For details of where and when each Bushcare group meets, view the current Bushcare activities(PDF, 269KB).
To become a Bushcare volunteer:
Apply online
More information and resources
Landholders who are members or volunteers in one of Council's conservation programs may find this information of assistance.
Voluntary conservation newsletter
Council's Voluntary Conservation Program (VCP) newsletter including Bushcare, Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreements.
Workshop and events
Keep up to date with what Environmental workshops and events are running.
Visit What's on
Contact a Conservation Officer
If you have any questions, contact Council and ask to speak to a Conservation Officer.
Links and resources