Land for Wildlife
Noosa Shire is located in one of the most biodiverse areas in Australia, with a large diversity of ecosystems and native plants and animals, some of which are listed under legislation as threatened or endangered. Although 42% of Noosa Shire is within protected area such as National Park or Council environmental reserve, the balance is in private ownership. A significant proportion (34%) of remnant native vegetation is on private land.
Protected areas Noosa Shire
Old Growth Rainforest - Noosa hinterland
Protecting native vegetation on private land contributes to the survival of native plants and animals which rely on particular ecosystems, such as Glossy Black Cockatoos and Koalas.
Koala mum and Joey
Glossy Black Cockatoo
Every landowner has a part to play in providing habitat for our native wildlife. The Land for Wildlife program is a free, voluntary conservation program that supports landholders who wish to make a difference by managing part or all of their property for nature conservation.
The Land for Wildlife program welcomes landholders who:
- have a property with at least 1 hectare of native vegetation or that will be revegetated with a hectare of native vegetation.
- are interested in integrating nature conservation with other land uses, such as agriculture, or tourism
- manage part or all of their property as habitat for native plant and animals.
What are the benefits?
When you apply to join the Land for Wildlife program you receive a property visit where an experienced Council Officer will provide advice on the native plants and animals on your property and how to manage issues such as weeds. You will be given written reference material, a sign for your front gate, and a follow up report tailor made for your property. As a Land for Wildlife member you can apply for incentives such as native plants and training in environmental weed management on your property. We can also lend you equipment such as fauna monitoring cameras. You will receive regular newsletters and invitations to free workshops and field days.
As a member of the Noosa Land for Wildlife program, you will be part of a growing network of members (currently 450) who are actively managing 3,400 hectares of habitat on their properties.
What are my obligations?
The Land for Wildlife program doesn’t have any impact on your legal property rights, however by joining the program and receiving assistance from Council you are agreeing to make a reasonable effort to manage your property for nature conservation.
How can I get involved?
To discuss the Land for Wildlife program, contact Council's Conservation Partnerships Officer at environment@noosa.qld.gov.au or call (07) 5329 6500.
For more information on the Land for Wildlife program including accessing Land for Wildlife newsletters visit https://www.lfwseq.org.au