The Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s (BCT) revolving fund helps protect important native plants and animals in NSW. We buy properties with high biodiversity value, place long‑term protection on the important areas, and then sell the properties to people who want to look after the land.
These FAQs explain how the revolving fund works, what type of properties we buy, how conservation agreements are used, and what support may be available for landholders.
Buying and selling properties with native biodiversity
The Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s (BCT) revolving fund works by selecting and purchasing properties with significant biodiversity values (that are not already adequately protected) and returning them to the market, targeting buyers who are prepared to enter into an in-perpetuity conservation agreement over part(s) of the property.
In most cases the conservation agreement will cover the high biodiversity value part or parts of the property, leaving the remainder of the property available for agriculture or lifestyle uses.
A conservation agreement is a covenant on the land title and is in-perpetuity, meaning the areas placed under the agreement will remain protected even when the property is passed on to a new owner.
All proceeds from the sale of revolving fund properties are returned to the BCT Biodiversity Conservation Fund for the purchase of more biodiverse properties across NSW.
The agreements placed on BCT revolving fund properties vary depending on location and biodiversity values.
Some agreements have ongoing annual fixed-price funding under our Conservation Management Program, while others are unfunded but the new owners may be eligible to apply for grants under our Conservation Partners Program to assist with carrying-out conservation management actions. The revolving fund also has scope to sell property with biodiversity credits under a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement, which offsets biodiversity.
In addition to high biodiversity values, and to on-sell (revolve) property as soon as possible, the revolving fund buys property with attributes that appeal to the broadest market.
The style of property sought is usually conservation/lifestyle or conservation/agriculture.
Get more information about the revolving fund assessment and acquisition process view our Information for property sellers and real estate agents.
Contact
Please send all revolving fund enquiries to our email properties@bct.nsw.gov.au and provide your best contact phone number. We will put you in touch with one of our team members.