A man leaning against the large buttress root of a tree I signed up to conserve this area for when I am no longer here. I want to know it will still be protected and no one can destroy it. That’s what motivates me, and I am proud of what I have achieved in this large area.
Don Durrant, Kyogle landholder
Conservation Partners Agreements
Minimum 20ha | Up to $15,000 in grants, per year for 3 years
If you have at least 20ha of native vegetation in moderate to good condition, you may be eligible to establish a conservation area with a Conservation Partners Agreement. This agreement is permanent and is registered on your land title for you and future owners.
Eligible landholders can apply for up to $15,000 in grant funding per year, for 3 years to do on-ground conservation works like weed control. You can apply again for another grant term after that.
EOI timing for 2026 – 2027
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Wildlife Refuge Agreements
Minimum 10ha | Up to $2000 in grants, per year for 3 years
If you have at least 10ha of native vegetation in moderate to good condition, you may be eligible to establish a Wildlife Refuge. These agreements can be revoked.
Eligible landholders can apply for up to $2000 in grant funding per year, for 3 years, and reapply after that.
Comparison of options
| Option | Conservation Partners Agreement | Wildlife Refuge Agreement |
| Description | A conservation agreement, with no annual payments, and no set conservation plan | Entry-level conservation agreement, with no annual payments and no set conservation plan |
| Min. size of conservation area | 20ha1 | 10ha1 |
| Geographical restrictions | No | No |
| Agreement length | In-perpetuity | Long-term |
| Registered on title | Yes | Yes |
| Can be revoked by the landholder? | No | Yes |
| Financial support | Agreement-holders can apply for grants of $15,000 a year for 3 years | Agreement-holders can apply for grants of $2000 a year, up to 3 years |
| Actively manage the agreed area | Recommended | Recommended |
| Annual reporting requirement | Only if you have a grant | Only if you have a grant |
| Yearly occurrence | Differs by region - see EOI timings | All year |
| Exempt from council rates? | The Local Government Act exempts the area of a Conservation Partners Agreement from rate payments | No |
Landholder guide
For landholders seeking a Conservation Partners Agreement, full landholder and site eligibility is available in our downloadable Landholder Guide.
You may also wish to download a sample Conservation Partners Agreement template or Wildlife Refuge Agreement template.
Submit your interest
Conservation Partner Grants
If you already have a Conservation Partner or Wildlife Refuge Agreement and need additional funds to manage your conservation area, you can apply for a Conservation Partners Grant to support your work.
Contact the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
We welcome your feedback.