Private landholders along the Birrarung/Yarra River are being encouraged to help safeguard and enhance the health of the iconic waterway by permanently protecting nature on their land, with support from Trust for Nature.
Working with landholders and Traditional Owners along the river and supported by the Victorian Government, Melbourne Water, and the Yarra Collaboration Committee, Victorian conservation organisation Trust for Nature is identifying habitat on private land that can be managed for conservation or protected permanently with conservation covenants.
A conservation covenant is a voluntary legal agreement made between a private landholder and Trust for Nature to permanently protect and conserve private land with natural, cultural or scientific values. Conservation covenants, which are exempt from land tax, restrict activities that may damage native habitat on the land, such as clearing, intensive farming or subdivision, even if the property is sold.
By protecting the environmental features on their land along the Birrarung, landholders can help enhance the health of the river while protecting precious wildlife habitat and culturally important land.
“We need to work with private landholders to improve the health of the Birrarung,” said Ben Cullen south central area manager at Trust for Nature.
“Even though some parts are in poorer condition, we know that the river still has amazing species like Platypus not that far from the city.”
“Space and development along the river are huge pressures that affect everyone. Many landholders have properties directly on the river. This is an opportunity for them to contribute to a healthier environment and leave a lasting legacy,” said Mr Cullen.
The Birrarung, on Wurundjeri and Bunurong Country, holds significant cultural, social, environmental and economic values.
Pressure on the river and adjacent public and private land is increasing as the climate changes and as Melbourne prepares for its third and greatest wave of population growth.
The new initiative by Trust for Nature, part of Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (the Yarra Strategic Plan), directly involves private landholders in caring for the Birrarung as a single, living entity, and progresses the 50-year Community Vision for the Birrarung.
Over four months, Trust for Nature will identify and contact 50 landholders and visit 20 properties to assess opportunities for managing and protecting habitat, in partnership and agreement with the landholders.
Protecting habitat contributes to better water quality as riverside vegetation filters pollutants.
It also helps create corridors for wildlife and plants.
Many landholders in the Yarra River catchment have already protected habitat on their properties with conservation covenants.
“For private landholders concerned about protecting the health of our waterways and ensuring the many native plants and animals who live along the river can thrive, protecting their land with a covenant is a really practical solution, making a lasting impact,” said Mr Cullen.
This project has received $125,000 in funding through the Victorian Government’s Iconic Urban Waterways Program.
Private land conservation through Trust for Nature conservation covenants is a key pillar in achieving Victoria’s Biodiversity 2037 targets.
This project aligns with the aims of Biodiversity 2037 to improve the health of the natural environment and the health of our communities through their connection to nature.
