How you can help wildlife on private and community-owned land

What is Land for Wildlife?

If you wish to create or protect wildlife habitat on your property, Land for Wildlife can offer you advice and assistance - whether you manage a bush block, council park or school. Participation in Land for Wildlife is entirely voluntary and will not change the legal status of your property in any way.

Since its establishment in Victoria in 1981, Land for Wildlife has been adopted by all States with nearly 9,000 registrations nationally. Litchfield Shire recently introduced the scheme to the Territory and now Alice Springs residents can join this network of landholders and share the benefits.

The native bushland areas of Alice Springs provide excellent opportunities for private landholders to learn about, and contribute to, nature conservation by managing the remnant vegetation on their own property.

How does Land for Wildlife contribute to conservation?

The Land for Wildlife scheme assists landholders to retain and better manage native vegetation, thus encouraging native fauna, on their properties.

By managing and encouraging wildlife habitat, private landholders can:

• contribute to the survival of plants and animals that are dependent on remnant native vegetation.
• contribute to sustainable land management. For example, remnant vegetation can assist in erosion and salinity control, provide shade & shelter and maintain natural pest control.
• create links between nature reserves, allowing wildlife movement and genetic interchange.

Land for Wildlife supports the contribution of individuals and groups to maintain our native plants and animals so that they continue to characterise our unique Central Australian environment. Every bit of cared-for habitat counts.

What are the benefits of joining Land for Wildlife?

Land for Wildlife can offer you:

• Advice on:
  - integrating wildlife habitat with other land management activities
  - managing remnant vegetation and fauna occurring on your property
  - the ecological roles and requirements of native flora and fauna in your area
• Financial and other incentives available to landholders involved in nature conservation
• Networks with like-minded landholders to share skills and experiences
• Workshops, field days and other activities
• Information relevant to Central Australia through regular newsletters and other publications
• A Land for Wildlife sign for each registered property is provided free of charge to acknowledge the efforts of landholders in wildlife conservation.

Every property applying for Land for Wildlife status will be visited by qualified extension staff providing a great opportunity for on-site advice.

Qualifying for Land for Wildlife

To obtain Land for Wildlife registration, landholders will need to demonstrate that it is their intention to manage all or part of their property in a way which clearly pursues the maintenance and enhancement of native flora and fauna.

Land for Wildlife status will be retained as long as these objectives continue to be upheld. Future property owners will have to re-apply to retain Land for Wildlife status.

Land for Wildlife is responsive to the needs of landholders and recognises that each landholder will have a different capacity to participate in the scheme.

Schools, organisations, communities and groups can apply for registration if they are the owners of the land being managed for nature conservation. If they are not the owners, but are responsible for on-ground land management, they can still apply for registration, if the owners of the land agree.

The Land for Wildlife scheme will assist groups or individuals with any native title considerations.

How do I join Land for Wildlife?

If you are interested in joining Land for Wildlife, we suggest that you apply now, even if you don't think your property will yet qualify for registration.

Contact the Land for Wildlife Coordinator for a brochure and application form. You will be contacted to discuss the scheme, your property plans and to arrange a time for a property assessment.

Subject to a favourable assessment, your property will be entered on the Land for Wildlife register. If you do not qualify at this time, we can provide advice to help you achieve your nature conservation goals and work towards registration.

Joining Land for Wildlife is free - we recognise that landholders are already making a significant contribution to nature conservation. If you wish to leave the scheme, you can de-register your property at any time.

Join us in protecting native wildlife and native vegetation for the benefit of current and future generations - you can play an important role.

Land for Wildlife at a glance

It's Free

There are no fees.

It's Voluntary

Landholders make a personal commitment to the scheme. They may withdraw at any time if they wish.

No Legal Binds

Land for Wildlife status does not alter the legal status of a property in any way. It does not convey the right of public access, nor does it exclude multiple land use over the area.

Inclusive

There are no limitations on size or primary land use. Horticultural & pastoral properties, bush blocks, parks, school grounds, Aboriginal communities and golf-courses may all be eligible.

Groups

Groups can also register properties with Land for Wildlife. Group registration is particularly suited to numerous small blocks or several larger properties with a landscape approach to wildlife habitat.

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