Carbon and Conservation Credits

Conservation Agreements

 

Conservation agreements can be a useful tool in a farming mix. For instance, native woodland on rocky or unproductive land could be transferred into a conservation area. This reduces land taxes and provides ecosystem services such as stabilising soil, filtering water, and providing habitat for native birds, animals and pollinators.

 

Consider working with neighbours to create connectivity corridors of native vegetation that support native animals. 

 

Conservation agreements can be held for a fixed-term or ‘in perpetuity’, meaning that once entered, the land is permanently preserved for conservation. Conservation Agreements are listed on the property title and so continue when the land changes hands. Changes to land use have management implications so be informed and think though the longer-term consequences. For instance, in some habitats constrains may include not being able to graze or to collect timber.

 

Requirements:

Minimum land area of 20 hectares, with native vegetation in moderate to good condition.

https://www.bct.nsw.gov.au/conservation-partners-program

 

Benefits: 

Deductions and capital gains tax are available at the creation of a conservation covenant if there no financial or material gain.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Forms/Request-for-valuation---conservation-covenant-program/

 

Exempt from land taxes and Council rates (Local Land Services rates still apply)

Funds are available through grants to control threats and improve conservation value.

https://www.bct.nsw.gov.au/cards/apply-conservation-partners-grant

 

To set up a conservation agreement, an initial assessment needs to be carried out by a certified assessor using the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM), done at the land-owner’s expense. The assessment involves mapping and surveys of native vegetation, animals, presence of rare species and heritage values. Once completed, the assessors report becomes part of the Plan of Management (PoM) created under the agreement. The PoM set out the goals and management actions required to maintain or improve the conservation values of the site. Advice and support are provided by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust to assist meeting those goals.

https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/biodiversity-offsets-scheme/accredited-assessors/biodiversity-assessment-method-2020

 

Great Southern Landscapes – Greening Australia’s creation of Australia’s biggest carbon sink and establishment of one million hectares of habitat across southern Australia.

https://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/programs/great-southern-landscapes/

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