REVISED POLICY GUIDELINES- PRIVATE LAND CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS · report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                             11 APRIL 2023


   •   “Love the great communications, knowledgeable people, useful programs, partnerships and
       benefits from LfW. Though understand Covid has been a hinderance -- hope to see more
       workshops, expos, open properties, and social events.”
   •   “Excellent program. The LfW scheme where 2 x experienced bush care workers work
       alongside landholders for a day is fantastic. I think it may only be in Noosa Shire.”
   •   “LfW program has increased our confidence, skill level and improved our knowledge.”
   •   “I love our local LfW programme.”

The success of the LfW program will continue into the future as more landowners recognise the
contribution they can make to long term environmental improvements in Noosa Shire. No changes
are proposed to delivery of the LfW program under the amended policy guideline other than noting
that additional resourcing will be required soon to address increasing service demand.

Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCA).

The VCA Program is a higher-level voluntary agreement between Council and eligible landowners
that permanently protects a nominated conservation area on the landowner’s property. Under the
program, Council provides financial incentives to assist the landowner to manage their conservation
area. Landowners expressing interest in a VCA invariably commence as LfW members. It is a big
commitment for a landowner to place a 3rd party interest on their property title, with issues arising
such as perceived loss of property value and control over management of their property. As such
the VCA program attracts landowners who have a genuine and altruistic desire to protect the
environmental values on their property into the future, but who also require assistance to help
manage their conservation area.
There are currently 23 active VCAs covering 392 hectares in the Shire (Figure 4).