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 Partner agreements
Minimum 20ha | Up to $15,000 in grants, per year for 3 years
If you have at least 20 hectares of native vegetation in moderate to good condition, you may be eligible for a Conservation Partner agreement. Smaller sites may be considered if they have high conservation values. This agreement is permanent and is registered on your land title, which means it stays in place even if you sell or give away the land.
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.
Wildlife Refuge Agreements
Minimum 10ha | Up to $2000 in grants, per year for 3 years
If you have at least 10 hectares of native vegetation in moderate to good condition, you may be eligible for a Wildlife Refuge Agreement. These agreements can be revoked, for example, if the land is sold and the new owner does not want to it to continue.
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 | All year | All year |
| Exempt from council rates? | The Local Government Act exempts the area of a Conservation Partner agreement from rate payments | No |
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
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