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Nature Refuges

Nature Conservation ActConserving wildlife

National Parks and relative reserves are declared to conserve representative samples of Queensland's diverse landscapes. National parks sample more than 68 percent of the recognised natural systems, and cover about 4 percent of Queensland. Sole reliance on national parks to conserve Queensland's biodiversity will mean that important native plant and animal communities could be lost forever, and that populations in national parks will become isolated. Other ways are needed to help native plants and animals survive in our ever changing countryside.

Many national parks have become islands of natural plant and animal communities within the broad regional agricultural landscapes. As wildlife knows no boundaries, broad scale conservation will only be effective if the majority of landholders incorporate nature conservation objectives in the management of their lands. Scientists confirm that the value of a national park for nature conservation depends markedly on how well the adjoining and nearby lands are managed. Protecting remnants of original vegetation and nature wildlife corridors along ridges, fence-lines and watercourses contributes greatly to the conservation measures undertaken in national parks and other reserves. The involvement and commitment of all landholders is critical for the long-term survival of our wildlife.

The Nature Conservation Act provides several ways for landholders to commit themselves formally to protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat as an integral part of managing their properties.

Landholders have the opportunity to have some or all of their land declared 'nature refuge' or join with others in a 'coordinated conservation area'. Conditions for managing these areas are set out in a 'conservation agreement'. The Department of Environment and Heritage may provide resources or services to help landholders to manage and protect their natural areas.

Nature refuge

Under the Act. a 'Nature refuge' may be declared of land of any size or tenure. The purpose is to manage the land to conserve 'its significant natural resources', to provide for controlled use of its natural resources, and to consider the interest of landholders. Part or all of a property may be included in the declaration. Ownership remains with landholders.

Conservation agreement

A 'conservation agreement', a contract between the Minister for Environment and Heritage (for the Queensland Government) and the landholder, outlines those activities that can occur on the nature refuge. Each agreement is tailored to suit the management needs of the particular area. For example, conditions could be comprehensive or simply be directed at protecting a particular species of plant or animal. In most situations, overall property management  will not change significantly.

The intention of a Nature Refuge is to provide long term protection of the land involved. A conservation agreement can be for a certain length of time (as determined by the landholder) or can be permanent and registered on the land title. Nature conservation and future generations will benefit most if agreements are added permanently to land titles.

Special provisions apply to nature refuges declared over Crown land.

Variation

Terms may be varied by a fresh agreement between the Minister for Environment and Heritage and the landholder. Under certain circumstances, a nature refuge can be revoked if the original landholder and the minister agree that the land is no longer fulfilling the purpose for which it was declared.

Advantages
A nature refuge:

  • becomes part of a network of protected areas contributing to the conservation and protection of Queensland's biodiversity and natural features;
  • combines protection with ecologically sustainable use of the land;
  • protects an important aspect of the property for a certain length of time or indefinitely if registered on the land title, and
  • the Department of Environment and Heritage can assist in providing conservation management advice.

In practice

Agreed activities and management actions are set out in the conservation agreement.

Emphasis is on multiple use - managing land and resources for a variety of purposes which do not degrade them but lead to long- term sustainable and productive uses.

Property management activities such as controlling wildfires, feral animals and noxious weeds required under other Acts  are still required on a nature refuge.  No restrictions other than those in the agreement apply.

Declaration does not open land to the public. The landholder determines whether scientific or educational groups may visit.

Determining suitability

An area nominated for a nature refuge is assessed for suitability by Department of Environment and Heritage regional officers.

They consider:

  • particular values of its plants and animals,
  • location as a corridor between other parcels of natural lands,
  • value as a refuge for wildlife in times of drought,
  • special features such as geological landforms and fossils, and
  • the occurrence of rare or threatened species or communities.

No minimum size is set though size may influence the long-term survival prospects for plant and animal communities.

As a result of this assessment only some areas will be recommended for declaration as nature refuge.

Procedure

Once assessment is complete and the area recommended, people with an interest in, or affected by, the land are given notice of the proposal and invited to make submissions.

At this stage, a conservation agreement is negotiated. Once the agreement is made and consents are received from relevant Government departments, the nature refuge can be declared.

If the conservation agreement contains terms that bind successors, its existence will be registered on the land title and continue with any new owner.
In many instances, lands so declared will attract purchasers who have simular positive views on nature conservation.

Costs

The only cost to the landholder is the time required to discuss and negotiate management objectives.  Costs of declaration and registering the conservation agreement will be borne by the Department of Environment and Heritage.

Incentives or assistance

Refuge signs will be provided for the property boundary or gate. Some Local Governments may be able to provide rate relief. Other forms of assistance are being investigated.

How to apply

A signed letter indicating willingness to make the property available for inspection and an intention to negotiate a conservation agreement is all that is required. To assist the process the letter should also state:

  • the real property description (see title deed, copy of Crown lease document or rate notice),
  • street address or location,
  • the size of property and /or sketch of the area proposed, and

As the voluntary conservation agreement is a legal document information about any property encumbrances, such as mortgages or easements, will be needed and can be listed in this letter or given during negotiations.

Coordinated conservation areas

Should several landholders wish to jointly protect nature on their adjacent lands, a coordinated conservation area can be declared.

The unifying theme can be very diverse, from managing areas for rock wallaby habitat to protecting a cassowary habitat. The areas do not have to be contiguous. An agreement between each landholder and the Minister for Environment and Heritage is necessary. A memorandum of understanding is used for Crown land managed by a Queensland Government department.

Further information

Further information about nature refuges and coordinated conservation areas may be obtained from Department of Environment and Heritage regional centres at Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Brisbane.

Conservation Strategy Branch
Division of Conservation
Department of Environment and Heritage
PO Box 155
BRISBANE ALBERT STREET QLD 4002
(07) 3227 6198 or  (07) 3227 7437
Fax: (07) 3227 6386

BP734 -2Sep95 Copyright The State of Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage 1995.

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