Tasmanian Midlandscapes
Farmer Julian Von Bibra surveying protected grasslands. Photo Matthew Newton.
The woodlands and grassy lowland plains of the Tasmanian Midlands are a national biodiversity hotspot. This ecologically distinct region is drier than the west, south and north of the state.
Less than 10% of the original native grasslands and 30% of all native vegetation remains, much of it degraded.
Most native vegetation in the Tasmanian Midlands is privately owned and many landholders have long historical connections to the land.
Buying properties here for conservation hasn't been practical or appropriate.
Instead, in collaboration with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, we've established a fund that provides stewardship payments to farmers in return for conserving biodiversity. Conservation now has a place on the farm balance sheet!