Meeting papers

                                                                           ATTACHMENT 3

                                                                              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

 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.
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.
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.
The LFW SEQ Terms of Reference document (Appendix 1) outlines arrangements for SEQ Councils
to deliver the LFW program. The SEQ LfW program is coordinated by a full-time position overseen
by a steering committee comprising the 13 councils. A host Council undertakes administrative tasks
on behalf of the SEQ Councils, this role is currently provided by Sunshine Coast Regional Council
(SCC), and from June 30th 2023 Brisbane City Council will be the host Council for the next 3 years.
All SEQ Councils contribute funds to support regional co-ordination, maintenance of the regional LfW
database, newsletter production, and periodic member surveys. The funding level is based on the
number of members in each Council. Noosa Council’s contribution for the 2022-23 financial year is


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