Much of Australia's most ecologically significant land is in private hands. Private Land Conservation Grants supported landholders to protect, manage and restore conservation-significant areas on their properties — recognising that private land plays a critical role in Australia's conservation estate.
The program provided small grants to private landholders undertaking conservation work including fencing to exclude stock from sensitive areas, predator management, weed control and revegetation. Grants were targeted at properties with high conservation value and willing, committed landholders.
The program demonstrated that private landholders, when supported, can be highly effective conservation partners. Many properties supported through the program went on to enter permanent conservation covenants, providing lasting protection.