FARMERS wanting to turn their paddock back into conservation area can now access government help.
The NSW Government has put aside $61.4 million in funding for the Biodiversity Conservation Trust for this financial year.
Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said landowners with land that had potential for conservation were encouraged to apply.
“It does not mean we are asking for the land to be handed over to anybody, but we are willing to help landowners to fund the work needed to manage it as a conservation area,” Ms Upton said.
“We want to work side by side with landowners to find the best way to preserve their local environment.
“It’s a win for the environment, a win for landholders, and it’s a win for the community.”
More than 270,000 hectares of private land are being managed as conservation areas around the state.
“Keeping private land as private land but adding to the amount of high grade conservation land is a great outcome,” Ms Upton said.
The next rounds of Conservation Tenders are planned for August 2018 and February 2019.
Details – www.bct.nsw.gov.au
