Community groups
Community groups are smaller organisations than the big conservation non-government organisations, and have their base in a smaller local area. They may be incorporated bodies such as trusts, or friends of a national park, or groups of volunteers who have banded together to protect a valued local environment.
They are often passionate and knowledgeable about the biodiversity values of a local area, and particularly effective in mustering support from volunteers to manage the land they protect. Most community reserves are prized by local residents, and venues for school children to learn first hand about Australia's flora and fauna. Often they attract visitors from further afield, bringing jobs and cash flow to the local economy.
To undertake the challenge of establishing and managing a protected area as part of the National Reserve System it is important that community groups have the capacity to manage the property in the long-term. Thousands of volunteer hours of fund raising and on-ground management activities, together with support from programs under Caring for our country make it possible.
Between 1997 and 2007, community groups purchased ten properties covering more than 118,000 hectares, with support from the Australian Government of four million dollars.
National Reserve System - Expenditure between 1997 and 30 September 2007 - Community Groups
Measure |
Value |
|---|---|
Australian Government funds |
$3,984,268 |
Community groups funds |
$4,762,280 |
Area (hectares) |
118,463 |
Number of properties |
10 |
Funding community groups
The Australian Government, through the National Reserve System Program, can provide up to two dollars for every dollar invested by a community group to add a new property to the National Reserve System.
Funds are available for acquisition of land that is a priority for addition to the National Reserve System. For more details on NRS priorities, please read Priorities for the expansion of the National Reserve System
Community groups can apply for funds towards the purchase price, to establish a management plan, to defray legal costs and for help in establishing the protected area by undertaking immediate threat abatement activities like fencing and invasive species control. Ongoing management costs are the responsibility of the community group.
You will need to enter into a contract with the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities involving an on-going commitment to manage the property and report on management outcomes.
You will retain ownership of the land, and will need to agree to manage it according to international standards in conservation management.
Read about criteria and how to apply for funding.
More information
