Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Keeping land for wildlife near Maleny
Scott and Lyn Woolbank are reminded of why they became part of the Land for Wildlife program every time they see native birds on their 127 hectare property near Maleny.
Further south, Evan Harris advertises his connection with the program with a large sign on his small, semi-rural holding outside Ipswich.
Land for Wildlife is a voluntary nature conservation program that encourages landholders to use their properties to help protect native plants and animals.
Funding
In South East Queensland it's supported by the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, Greening Australia Queensland, 14 Local Governments and South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments.
Australian Government funding of more than $150,000 was provided to Land for Wildlife for two years from August 2004. In-kind support from local governments and landholders has been valued at millions of dollars.
More than 1,800 Land for Wildlife properties are now registered in the region and more than 38,000 hectares of native vegetation and 2,700 hectares of land are being restored.
Activities and achievements
In registering, landholders sign a non-binding agreement to conserve some of their land. In return they receive information and visits from qualified extension officers and can attend field days and workshops.
The Woolbanks registered their property in 1998. "We wanted help to make sure our efforts to re-establish wildlife corridors were successful," Lyn Woolbank said.
About 90 hectares of their land is being conserved and cattle are run on the remainder. They have seen platypus in a creek protected with fencing, glimpsed koalas at the back of the property and identified more than 70 bird species.
"We get a lot of joy as a result of our hard work," Lyn said.
Evan Harris is pleased that even though less than a hectare, his block qualified for registration.
"Luckily most of the native vegetation, including big ironbarks, remained in the development and I've let most of it grow back," he said. "This has kept habitat for a variety of native animals like wallabies and frog species including a rare Green-thighed Frog."
Evan praised the local council's support for conservation. "They visited my property, and supplied me with a huge folder of Land for Wildlife material and other useful information," he said. "And I also qualify for rebates for weed control and free trees."
Deborah Metters, Land for Wildlife Regional Coordinator of SEQ Catchments, said more than 70 per cent of South East Queensland's outstanding natural environment is privately owned, stretching from Noosa to the Gold Coast.
More information
- SEQ Catchments: www.seqcatchments.com.au
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