The Private Protected Area Program
‘Private protected areas’ are internationally recognised as an important part of protected area systems, and in Queensland, are formally represented by special wildlife reserves and nature refuges.
Queensland has the largest private protected area network in Australia with nature refuges accounting for more than 4.99 million hectares, and one-third of Queensland’s total protected area system.
The Private Protected Area Program partners with private landholders to support their sustainable land management goals through the establishment of private protected areas and through financial assistance programs such as NatureAssist and Nature Refuge Landholder Grants.
Queensland’s Private Protected Area Program is underpinned by priority actions in Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020–2030.
A nature refuge is a voluntary agreement between a landholder and the Queensland Government to protect the significant natural and cultural values of privately managed land. A nature refuge is a class of protected area under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 that once declared, must be managed to:
- conserve the area’s significant cultural and natural resources
- provide for the controlled use of the area’s cultural and natural resources
- provide for the interest of landholders to be taken into account.
Before a nature refuge can be declared over part, or all, of a property, a conservation agreement (nature refuge agreement) is negotiated between the landholder and the Queensland Government. The agreement commits the landholder to protecting the land’s significant conservation values, while allowing compatible and sustainable land uses to continue. Nature refuges are compatible with, and often complement, alternative income streams for landholders such as carbon farming, sustainable beef production and ecotourism.
Establishing a nature refuge is one of the strongest ways to demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship and to ensure your good land management practices are continued, even if the property is sold.
For generational farmers and pastoral companies that have invested significantly in their natural capital and sustainable land management practices, a nature refuge offers a powerful living legacy as a testament to their commitment and investment.
Other key benefits identified by nature refuge landholders include:
- financial assistance through programs such as NatureAssist and Nature Refuge Landholder Grants
- formal recognition of environmental stewardship, contributing to your business’s Environmental, Social and Governance Objectives
- protection of sustainable land management practices
- facilitated access to markets in the growing conservation economy
- technical advice to support property management goals and aspirations.
Nature refuges can be established on a variety of land types, including private land, Indigenous land, and leasehold land. The suitability of the land for a nature refuge is determined based on its conservation values and the commitment of the landholder to manage the land for conservation purposes.
Yes, there are some management practices that are restricted in order to protect the land's natural values, these include limitations on clearing vegetation, introducing non-native species, or certain types of development. However, other management conditions are tailored to each nature refuge and agreed upon with the landholder. Sustainable grazing practices and most carbon projects can be compatible with a nature refuge.
Nature refuge agreements are in perpetuity, meaning they are intended to last indefinitely to ensure the ongoing protection of the land's conservation values. The nature refuge is noted on the title of the land and the management obligations pass to successive owners when a property is sold.
The conditions of a nature refuge agreement can be altered under some circumstances, with the consent of both the landholder and the Queensland Government. The intention of a nature refuge declaration is perpetual, emphasising a commitment to long-term conservation. Revocation of a nature refuge can only occur in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and by endorsement of the Governor in Council.
A nature refuge declaration does not change the tenure or ownership of the land. Public access to nature refuges is only allowed with the permission of the landholder. Nature refuge signage clearly states if permission is required.
Nature refuges contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by protecting habitats for native plants, animals, and ecosystems. They also help form a network of protected areas across the Queensland landscape, connecting habitats and allowing for wildlife movement and natural processes to occur.
Nature refuges are on private land and managed by landholders in partnership with the Queensland Government, whereas national parks are public land, managed by the state government for conservation and public enjoyment. Nature refuges may allow for more varied use, including some commercial and sustainable uses, while national parks have stricter protections and may be open to the public for recreation.
A nature refuge will not stop major infrastructure projects (e.g. mining, powerlines, main roads) however it will trigger a requirement for the Private Protected Area Program to comment on the project and apply conditions as necessary to best protect the values.
One of the primary intentions of a nature refuge agreement is to protect the landscape and prevent further fragmentation of habitat. As such, a nature refuge area cannot be subdivided without the consent of the Chief Executive administering the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Nature refuges do not impact on native title rights and interests. Each nature refuge agreement explicitly states that native title rights and interests are unimpeded by the agreement.
The Traditional Owners of the land on which a nature refuge is proposed will be invited to comment prior to declaration, as a responsibility under the Human Rights Act 2019 and Nature Conservation Act 1992.
The Queensland Government may provide various types of support to landholders with nature refuges, including technical advice, management planning assistance, and financial grants to undertake conservation land management activities.
The Private Protected Area Program currently administers two grant programs:
- The Nature Refuge Landholder Grant (NRLG) is open to existing nature refuge landholders and offers small grants to support management activities on their nature refuge. You can read more about NRLG and view the details of previous and current rounds on the NRLG website.
- NatureAssist is the department’s grant program to incentive large-scale expansion of the private protected area network and is targeted at landholders willing to create a new, or significantly expand an existing, nature refuge.
If your property contains significant conservation values and aligns with the Private Protected Area Program’s priorities, it may be eligible for a nature refuge. Priority consideration will be given to land that:
- meets the requirements of the NatureAssist funding program
- provides habitat for threatened species and/or ecosystems
- establishes landscape scale corridors and connectivity to or between existing protected areas
- contains remnant vegetation communities that are poorly represented within the existing protected area system
- contains significant wetlands including springs.
New nature refuge proposals
The Private Protected Areas Program is responsible for progressing new nature refuge applications, including extensions to existing nature refuges.
Queensland landholders interested in establishing a new nature refuge on their property are encouraged to email the Private Protected Areas Team with their contact and property details to naturerefuge@detsi.qld.gov.au.
Applications for new nature refuges are assessed for their eligibility prior to the development of a conservation agreement. This assessment process and the development of a conservation agreement will take from 12 to 18 months from commencement to completion and may take longer due to the complex nature of the proposal.