REVISED POLICY GUIDELINES- PRIVATE LAND CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS · Policy Guideline - Private Land Conservation Partnerships Final with attachments

1. BACKGROUND
Land for Wildlife (LfW) is a free, voluntary nature conservation program that encourages and
supports landholders to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat on their properties through
cooperation and advisory services. It also assists landholders to integrate nature conservation with
other land management objectives. LfW membership acts as recognition of a landholder’s
commitment to nature conservation.

Land for Wildlife was established in Victoria in 1981 and continues to be governed nationally by the
State of Victoria. The LfW program was established in South East Queensland (SEQ) in 1998 led by a
collaboration of Local Governments. Thirteen Local Governments continue to collaboratively govern
and deliver the Land for Wildlife South East Queensland (LfWSEQ) program. They have created a
professional, positive and respected network that works towards achieving shared nature
conservation goals. Regional frameworks, including an active Steering Committee, Terms of
Reference, Ten Year Plan 2020-2030 and the role of a Regional Coordinator, have been developed to
facilitate cooperation and efficiencies between councils to deliver high quality services to LfWSEQ
members and on-ground nature conservation outcomes.

LfW has developed into the most effective private land conservation program in SEQ. As of February
2021, there are over 5,000 LfW properties across SEQ containing over 70,000 hectares of land that is
being conserved or actively restored. An average of 232 new properties join the program annually
with last year (2020) recording the highest membership intake with 374 new LfWSEQ properties.
LfWSEQ members contribute significant resources into actively managing the natural assets on their
properties. They are highly satisfied with the program’s products and services and value the
partnerships created with their council LfW Officers. Overall, LfWSEQ makes a significant
contribution to the region’s environmental health and biodiversity conservation.


2. PURPOSE
The LfWSEQ Guidelines establish a set of common principles, definitions and processes by which the
13 Local Governments and the Regional Coordinator deliver the program. The LfWSEQ Guidelines:
    • Ensure consistency in use of LfW terms.
    • Create transparency in decision-making processes within and between councils and with
        clients (landholders).
    • Build efficiencies in processing new LfW members and maintaining an active and satisfied
        membership base.
    • Provide the basis by which externally facing guidelines or information (such as the LfWSEQ
        website) is presented to the public and potential/existing LfW members.
    • Provide a step-by-step operational document for new LfW officers.
    • Provide an agreed central point of reference for clarification of LfWSEQ processes.
    • Establish agreed minimum standards within and between councils, such as initial
        communications with members, revisit schedules and grounds for De-registration.
    • Establish agreed minimum standards of data entry into the regional database, which
        contribute to agreed regional reporting and program measures of success.
    • Establish agreed eligibility criteria for entry of properties into the program.
    • Reflect the needs of differently resourced councils.




                                                                                                       3