Apply for a voluntary agreement

Landholders wishing to voluntarily protect biodiversity and native vegetation on their land can apply for an in-perpetuity conservation agreement or a wildlife refuge agreement under our Conservation Partners Program. BCT regions may accept expressions of interest from interested landholders at any time or may specify a period in each year when expressions of interest will be accepted. 

In-perpetuity conservation agreements

In-perpetuity partnership conservation agreements are available for landholders who wish to protect the biodiversity and native vegetation on their property.  but are not seeking, or are ineligible, for annual conservation management payments under our Conservation Management Program. These agreements are registered on the title of the land, ensuring ongoing protection under subsequent land ownership.  

This option may suit you if you have areas on your land that are of high conservation value and you wish to ensure those values are protected into the future. 

Land that is eligible for a conservation agreement will need to be managed primarily for conservation, be in moderate to good condition and be at least 20 hectares in size. Smaller properties may be considered by the BCT if they contain very high conservation values or meet other strategic objectives of the BCT. 

Wildlife refuge agreements

Wildlife Refuge agreements are an entry-level option for landholders who wish to protect the biodiversity on their property but do not wish to enter into a permanent agreement. This can be a good option for landholders wanting to explore how they can become involved in conservation and partner with the BCT. 

Wildlife Refuge agreements are suitable for areas managed primarily for conservation, in moderate to good condition and at least 10 hectares in size. Smaller properties may be considered by the BCT if they contain very high conservation values or meet other strategic objectives of the BCT.

The BCT also encourages landholders to consider the Wildlife Land Trust program run by the Humane Society Australia, or the Land for Wildlife program run by the Community Environment Network. 

For information about revoking a wildlife refuge please refer to our wildlife refuge revocation factsheet

Benefits for landholders

Landholders participating in these programs will be contributing to biodiversity conservation in NSW. 

Landholders with Conservation Partners Program agreements receive landholder support and can apply for funding through conservation partners grants to help manage and enhance the biodiversity values of their property.

Landholders with in-perpetuity conservation agreements may also benefit from certain local government rate and tax concessions. If you want to know how taxation and council rates work under a conservation agreement, read our Taxation Issues Landholder Guide. Landholders should seek their own financial or taxation advice. 

You can apply for an in-perpetuity conservation agreement or wildlife refuge agreement by completing our online landholder interest form. A copy of the application will be emailed to you once it has been submitted.

You can also fill out a printable landholder interest form at any time (please download and save to your computer first). You can either scan and email your completed form to info@bct.nsw.gov.au or print and mail it to us using the following address: 

NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust

Locked Bag 5022

Parramatta, NSW 2124

Resources

*Disclaimer
The information in this document is general in nature and is intended as a guide only. It is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as legal or accounting advice. The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) will not accept liability for any reliance on the content of this document.

The BCT also notes that the business and financial structure for each landholder or entity managing a biodiversity stewardship site or conservation area is likely to be unique. Therefore, the way taxation law applies will depend on individual circumstances.

The BCT encourages landholders to obtain independent advice on taxation that considers their specific circumstances before (and ongoing after) entering a private land conservation agreement.