Gippsland › Latest news › Wellington Local News
Rate rebate increase on land protected by conservation covenants in Wellington Shire
Upped rate rebate for land affected by conservation covenants.
Landowners in Wellington Shire who have entered into conservation agreements with Trust for Nature to protect important habitats will get extra incentive with a rate rebate increase. Wellington Shire Council has upped the rate rebate for land affected by conservation covenants from $5 per hectare to $15 per hectare.
Council provides a rebate on lands that have a Deed of Covenant for conservation purposes approved by Trust for Nature, the rebate only applies to the land that is affected by a covenant
Supporting property
The policy is aimed at encouraging and supporting property owners who have entered into formal conservation agreements with Trust for Nature to protect, preserve or restore the natural environment contained on private land.
Conservation covenants contain requirements and rights for a property in relation to future land use activities. They are negotiated with landowners to ensure their wishes and needs for the land are defined.
While property owners continue to own and manage the land, Trust for Nature takes on responsibility for monitoring the requirements once the agreement is made, through its Stewardship Program.
Managing land for conservation purposes
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said the policy recognised the increased costs over time in managing land for conservation purposes. "Covenants are there to help protect environmentally significant areas, which are often found on private land such as farms," Cr Bye said.
"For farmers who have parts of their land under covenant for the protection of habitats, this policy aims to help offset any reduction in potential income. Wellington Shire Council and our ratepayers believe strongly in the need to protect areas where native plants and wildlife can survive, and we hope this rate rebate further encourages landowners to consider working with Trust for Nature on conservation covenants."
For more information on the Rates Rebate on Land for Conservation Purposes visit the Environmental Programs and Incentives page at Wellington Shire Council website.
Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes Victorian government grants aiding Noojee transition from timber harvestingDarren Chester calls for stop to rural health merger citing risks to Gippsland services due to lack of consultation, secrecy and autonomy loss
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
ACV/GARDS gets $560K for Gippsland asbestos victims and additional $19.3M for asbestos removal from Victorian Labor government
AstraZeneca admission of blood clot risks prompts concerns about misinformation in Australian push for COVID-19 vaccinations
Baw Baw Shire Council continues advocacy for key unfunded projects despite limited aid from 2024/25 Victorian State Budget
Darren Chester presses for federal backing on proposed roundabout on Maffra-Sale Rd intersection to complete partial funded from Victorian government
Nationals push for ban on telemarketing and door-knocking of Victorian Energy Upgrade scheme in Latrobe Valley