DEECA is supporting a new initiative to safeguard nature along one of Victoria’s most iconic waterways: Birrarung, Yarra River.
The project, led by Trust for Nature, is helping landholders along the river explore opportunities to safeguard nature on their land through formal agreements.
It follows Trust for Nature identifying critical habitat on private land along the waterway, that if protected and restored, could:
- create corridors of wildlife habitat for native animals
- improve water quality with riverside vegetation
- support a connected and thriving river ecosystem.
Private landholders will be supported to understand and explore opportunities for safeguarding nature on their land through formal conservation agreements, and to learn about the benefits which include exemptions from land tax.
A conservation covenant is a voluntary legal agreement between a private landholder and Trust for Nature to permanently protect natural features on private land, even if the property is sold.
Over the next 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.
This project is one of many contributing to the protection of Birrarung as a single, living entity and the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan – Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo – which is underpinned by the 50-year Community Vision for the waterway.
DEECA has contributed $125,000 in funding to the project, through the Iconic Urban Waterways Program.
Trust for Nature conservation covenants on private land are key to achieving goals in Biodiversity 2037 – Victoria’s 20-year plan to protect the environment.
Page last updated: 25/03/25