We strive for greater recognition of the value of private land conservation. We encourage more landholders to adopt a conservation covenant and advocate to increase the allocation of resources directed to conservation.

We recognise that the ongoing costs of managing a conservation property are generally borne by the landholder. This can be a barrier to a greater uptake of conservation covenants. We advocate for financial support – whether in the form of incentives, concessions or funding, for managers of covenanted land to encourage effective land stewardship now and forever.

In particular, we want to see the consistent application of rate rebates by local councils, exemption from land taxes for covenanted properties and greater access to ecosystem service incentive payments; for example voluntary biodiversity offset markets.

We’re also asking for more resources to be devoted to stewardship programs. Trust for Nature offers a stewardship program that aims to provide a range of support services to covenant landholders, including practical management advice, technical assistance, education, monitoring and financial assistance. These on-ground services make a tangible impact on conservation outcomes and should be enhanced.