Land for Wildlife
South East Queensland

Welcome to Land for Wildlife South East Queensland, a vibrant, progressive program that aims to protect native wildlife and flora for the benefit of future generations.

Land for Wildlife brings together like-minded landholders to share skills and knowledge about nature conservation activities and to date over 46,000 hectares of habitat for wildlife has been protected with a further 2800 hectares under restoration.

The program also encourages landholders to integrate nature conservation with other land management activities such as grazing and hobby farming.

Land for Wildlife is a voluntary nature conservation program supporting private landholders to protect and enhance native flora and fauna on their property via workshops, field days, conservation activities and quarterly newsletters.

The Australia-wide Land for Wildlife program was developed in Victoria in 1981 to combat land degradation and declines in native wildlife in the rural landscape. In South East Queensland, Land for Wildlife is delivered by SEQ Catchments in partnership with Local Governments.

As of January 2010, there are over 2600 registered Land for Wildlife members plus another 570 members working towards registration across South East Queensland.

This webpage aims to answer the most frequently asked questions and will guide you through the application process to join Land for Wildlife, where membership is free.

The popular Land for Wildlife Newsletters are also available for download from this site (see below).

Who is eligible to join?

People with properties over one hectare in size may apply for Land for Wildlife membership. Properties will need to contain at least ONE hectare of “retained habitat” - native vegetation that provides good quality habitat for native animals - that has been managed primarily for nature conservation for a minimum of five years. Schools, organisations, community groups and private landholders are encouraged to join.

What are the benefits of joining?

Once you join Land for Wildlife, you will receive advice on the native plants, wildlife and ecosystems that occur on your property. Land for Wildlife can also offer advice on revegetation, weed control, pest animal control and ecological processes. You may also be eligible to receive incentives such as free trees and nest boxes when you join. As a member of Land for Wildlife you will receive quarterly newsletters, a set of technical notes and an iconic Land for Wildlife sign for your front gate.

To join, simply call Deborah Metters, the SEQ Regional Land for Wildlife Coordinator on 3503 1423 or email dmetters@seqcatchments.com.au and state:

Your name
The address of the property you want to register
The name of your local Council 
The size of the property
Your contact phone number

Does Land for Wildlife permanently protect my property?

No. Land for Wildlife registration ceases when the registered landholder moves or sells the property.

How can I permanently protect my property?

There are two main options for landholders who want to permanently protect the conservation values of their property. Both options are legally binding on the title of the property.

Nature Refuges are offered by the Queensland Government through the Dept of Environment and Resource Management and offer opportunities for financial support.
Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs) are offered by most Local Governments in SEQ and are usually accompanied by rate rebates or other financial incentives. Click on the following links for more information on VCAs:

Brisbane City Council
Gold Coast City Council
Logan City Council
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Redland City Council
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
http://www.caloundra.qld.gov.au/website/cityEnvironment/environment/VCA_FAQ.asp

Will a VCA affect the value of my property?

Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs) may affect the market value of a property. The good news is that negative impacts may be avoided by following a few guidelines prior to getting a VCA. These guidelines are a result of a study conducted by SEQ Catchments and six Local Governments in which 17 properties with VCAs across SEQ were examined.

Download guidelines to consider before entering into a Voluntary Conservation Covenant.

Land for Wildlife Queensland – Celebrating 10 Years

In 2008, Land for Wildlife celebrated its 10th anniversary in Queensland. A 40 page colourful Commemorative Publication showing achievements from 15 Land for Wildlife properties across Queensland can be posted to you for free by contacting dmetters@seqcatchments.com.au