Today, thanks to our generous supporters, we own 45 reserves covering over 1.4 million hectares, and are well on our way to doubling this area by 2030. We own properties that have been bought, gifted or bequeathed to us.

Our reserves

Queensland:
Carnarvon, Currumbin Valley, Edgbaston, Ethabuka, Fan Palm, Goonderoo, Pilungah, Pullen Pullen, Reedy Creek, Yourka.
New South Wales:
Brogo, Burrin Burrin, Nameless Sylvan, Naree, Scottsdale, Tarcutta Hills.
South Australia:
Boolcoomatta, Bon Bon, Evelyn Downs.
Victoria:
Bellair, Buckrabanyule, J.C. Griffin, John Douglas, Lawan, Nardoo Hills, Ngulambarra, The Round House, Sanstrom.
Western Australia:
Beringa, Charles Darwin, Chereninup Creek, Dodgey Downs, Ediegarrup, Eurardy, Hamelin, Kojonup, Monjebup, Red Moort.
Tasmania:
Friendly Beaches, Liffey Valley Reserves (Oura Oura, Liffey River, Coalmine Creek, Drys Bluff, Glovers Flat), South Esk Pine.

How we select land

We think strategically about everything we do. We buy and manage land in areas of high conservation value that are home to nationally significant ecosystems. Reserves are chosen based on our capacity to help protect them in the face of emerging threats, and the degree to which they’re already protected through Australia’s National Reserve System – a combined network of public and privately protected lands.

To best manage our resources we focus on priority landscapes (shaded in the map below) where there are conservation assets of national importance and we can make a significant difference.

Map of Australia showing the priority landscapes in which we focus our work.

What happens next?

Conservation covenants are organised to provide ongoing legal protection.
We begin applying our conservation planning process.
Ongoing ecological monitoring is set up for key conservation targets.
We engage with Traditional Custodians to share knowledge of the landscape and identify cultural values.

Legal protection

We put conservation covenants on our reserves to legally safeguard them forever. These are the strongest legal instruments available. For properties we own outright, covenants apply in perpetuity, no matter who owns them.

Covenants prohibit subdivision, building (except in very limited locations), removal of native vegetation, interference with native animals and their habitats, disposal of non-degradable waste or interference with natural watercourses and wetlands.

They also compel owners to protect the ecological integrity, control feral animals and weeds, manage fire and erosion, carry out ongoing monitoring and use local seed stock for any revegetation.

Seedlings and revegetation works at Scottsdale Reserve

Revegetation works at Scottsdale Reserve. Photo by Bee Stephens.

Where we hold a long-term Crown lease, covenants hold for the life of the lease. Given they’re very long-term and can be easily renewed, this is substantial protection.

Where the Federal Government’s National Reserve System Program has provided funds towards a lease, it can’t be onsold, except to another conservation organisation.