Nature refuges and the Delbessie Agreement
The Delbessie Agreement provides a mechanism that enables lessees that enter into a conservation covenant such as a nature refuge agreement to be further rewarded with an increase in lease terms, if other conditions are met.
Under the Delbessie Agreement leaseholders will be able to apply to gain lease extensions of an additional 10 years if:
- the land is in good condition;
- the leaseholder has negotiated an Indigenous access and use agreement for the land if required; and
- a nature refuge agreement (or other type of conservation covenant) is negotiated where the land is considered to support quality conservation values that merit such protection.
Benefits of nature refuges and the Delbessie Agreement
- The Delbessie Agreement protects the economic viability of rural communities by providing more secure tenure for agriculture and grazing leases.
- Extended leases are available under the Delbessie Agreement for leaseholders who protect natural values critical to their land's long term viability - including through the establishment of nature refuges on their property.
- Nature refuge landholders don't relinquish control of their land. Rather, landholders specifically tailor management to balance both production and conservation of the land in perpetuity.
- The Delbessie Agreement and nature refuges provide gateways to land management guidance and support, assisting landholders to address natural resource issues and adapt to future challenges such as increasing climate variability.
- Nature refuge landholders may also be eligible for financial assistance to aid in managing conservation values on their land, through NatureAssist.
Read more on nature refuges
Read more on the Delbessie Agreement
Last updated: 20 February 2009