Opportunities to enhance private property for the protection of native plans and animals are available through Council's Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation programs.
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.
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.
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.
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
Land for wildlife criteria (required also for a Voluntary conservation agreement)
| Land for wildlife registration |
Land for wildlife towards registration |
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1 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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1 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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Apply online
Voluntary conservation agreement
Protects and enhances significant natural assets in perpetuity on private land.
Registered landholders in the Land for Wildlife program can apply for a Voluntary Conservation Agreement. Refer to Voluntary Conservation Program for further details.
Bushcare provides community members with the opportunity to participate in hands-on conservation and restoration activities.
Bushcare groups play a key role in protecting and improving local bushland by taking part in activities that conserve and protect the region's natural environment.
Where is my local Bushcare group?
For details of where and when each Bushcare group meets, view the current Bushcare activities(PDF, 134KB).
To become a Bushcare volunteer
Apply online
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.
Important links and resources