Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
A unique opportunity exists for nature lovers to buy...
Real estate agents from across the Goulburn Broken region in northern Victoria are involved in an ambitious project to market properties with significant natural values to buyers keen on conserving them.
There has been extensive clearing of native bushland for agriculture in the valleys and plains of the Goulburn Broken catchment, which includes the major rural centres of Shepparton, Benalla and Mansfield. About 70 per cent, or 1.7 million hectares, has been cleared since European settlement.
A joint initiative between the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment has produced a user-friendly manual to help real estate agents identify and describe land with environmental values.
The manual and a new website at www.conservationbroker.net.au also encourage agents to improve the marketing of these properties to attract buyers interested in landcare and conservation.
Funding
The project received assistance from the Australian and State Governments. It has strong support from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and leading conservation organisations such as Landcare Australia and Trust for Nature.
Activities
About 80 real estate agencies from 18 towns across the catchment were involved in the project. Information developed included a 'land assessment sheet' and the manual, 'A Good Environment Sells'.
Project Officer Rowhan Marshall said natural values could be identified by simply filling out the land assessment sheet.
"Indications a property has significant conservation value might be the presence of scattered large trees that provide habitat for wildlife, or areas of native grassland, which are crucial to the survival of many of our threatened species," Rowhan said.
The manual also outlines the opportunities and constraints associated with natural values. Good quality native vegetation may improve land value, attract government funding to overcome any threats, or be eligible for rate rebates and tax concessions if covered by a covenant. But the owner would also need to know that trees could not be lopped or felled without a permit.
Agents and buyers can market properties with natural values on the website which is managed by Trust for Nature.
Achievements
Rowhan said he hoped the project had created new opportunities for buying and selling properties with conservation values.
"It's now much less confusing for real estate agents and buyers to assess, market and manage these properties so that their values can be protected in the long-term," he said.
More information
- Rowhan Marshall, DSE Benalla Project Officer: (03) 5761 1569 or rowhan.marshall@dse.vic.gov.au
- Conservation Broker
- Goulburn Broken CMA
- Trust for Nature
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window