Meeting papers

                                   ATTACHMENT 2                                Policy Guideline
                                           PRIVATE LAND CONSERVATION
                                                        PARTNERSHIPS
Corporate Plan Reference:                  Theme 1: The Noosa Environment – Our environment is
                                           protected, enhanced and valued by the community.

Endorsed by Council                        16 January 2020

Guideline Owner and Department:            Director Environment & Sustainable Development


GUIDELINE BACKGROUND
The purpose of this guideline is to provide direction to Noosa Council (Council) staff on the implementation of
the Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA), Land for Wildlife (LfW) and Split Zoning Conservation
Programs. These programs help support conservation efforts by landowners to protect and enhance
biodiversity in Noosa Shire on private land.
GUIDELINE BACKGROUND
The purpose of this guideline is to provide direction to Council staff on the implementation of the Voluntary
Conservation Agreement (VCA) and Land for Wildlife (LfW) Programs. These programs help support
conservation efforts by landholders to protect and enhance biodiversity in Noosa Shire on private land.
POLICY GUIDELINE
This guideline applies to VCAs, LfW and Split Zoning Conservation Programs on private land within Noosa
Shire as part of the wider biodiversity network consisting of core protected areas, biodiversity corridors and the
bushland reserve network.
Although Noosa Shire has large areas under conservation protection, a significant amount of vegetation and
habitat exists on private land. Council recognises that private land conservation is well placed to make a
significant contribution to the broader strategic objective to protect and enhance biodiversity and connectivity
across Noosa Shire, as well as provide benefits to landowners and communities.
There are three programs Council offers to private landowners to support them in their conservation aspirations
described below.
POLICY GUIDELINE
This Guideline applies to voluntary conservation initiatives on private land within Noosa Shire as part of the
wider biodiversity network consisting of core protected areas, biodiversity corridors and the bushland reserve
network.
Although Noosa Shire has large areas under conservation protection, a significant amount of vegetation and
habitat exists on private lands. Noosa Council recognises that private land conservation is well placed to make a
significant contribution to conservation as part of a broader strategic objective to protect and enhance biodiversity
and connectivity across Noosa Shire, as well as provide benefits to landholders and communities.
LAND FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM
LAND FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM (LfW)
With over 50% of biodiversity values contained on private land in SEQ, LfW plays an integral role in partnering
with private landowners to conserve the biodiversity and natural amenity of the region. The LfW program aligns
with regional, state, and federal objectives, with the program being embedded in many SEQ Council policies and
strategies, such as pest management and biodiversity. The program engages with the community to improve
catchment and waterway health through erosion and sediment control, revegetation, and remnant vegetation
protection through the integration of wildlife habitat with agricultural and other land uses. It assists with rebuilding
wildlife corridor linkages in strategic locations and between core protected areas, enabling movement of fauna
and flora species. The LfW program started in Victoria in 1981 with the aim of supporting private landowners to
deliver natural resource outcomes. The State of Victoria remains the head of power to the program with all
participating bodies holding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State. Council has been part of the
LfW South East Queensland (SEQ) program since 1998, alongside 12 other SEQ Council’s.



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