Be rewarded for protecting habitat on your property

Published on 15 December 2020

When it comes to biodiversity, Mornington Peninsula is a special and unique place. It is home to an incredible range of plants and animals, including species and areas of state, national and international significance.
 
Only 30 per cent of remnant native vegetation remains on the Peninsula. The majority of this important habitat is found on private property and private landowners play a critical role in conserving biodiversity on the Mornington Peninsula.
 
Trust for Nature’s conservation covenant program enables landholders to permanently protect native vegetation on their own properties.
 
A conservation covenant is a permanent, legally binding agreement placed on a property's title to ensure the land is protected forever. This agreement is voluntary and negotiated between Trust for Nature and landholders.
 
Nineteen landholders in the Mornington Peninsula have so far placed covenants on part or all of their property.
 
Mornington Peninsula Shire has introduced a new Trust for Nature rate giving landholders a discount of 65 per cent on their rates for the area of land covenanted.  
 
Do you want to help conserve the Peninsula’s unique natural environment and protect habitat for our local plants and animals? Find out how you can place a covenant on your land. Go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/trustfornature
 
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor:
 
“Introducing this incentive for landowners to protect biodiversity on their land through a conservation covenant is a step towards achieving the vision of the Shire’s Biodiversity Conservation Plan, ensuring the Peninsula’s biodiversity is healthy, valued and protected.”
 
Quote attributable to Ben Cullen, Manager, Trust for Nature Port Phillip and Westernport:
 
“The rate acknowledges the long-term commitment of these landowners to protecting biodiversity on their land.
 
“It’s a wonderful thing to be able to thank all these landholders who are protecting some of our rarest species on the Mornington Peninsula.”