Organisations that provide conservation services

Catchment Management Authorities (CMA)
Victoria is divided into ten catchment regions with a CMA established for each region. The primary role of each CMA is to ensure the protection and restoration of land and water resources, the sustainable development of natural resources-based industries and the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage.
Different priorities and projects reflect the different management requirement in these catchments.
Generally the CMA are directly involved in the management of Waterways and Wetlands. Visit the relevant CMA websites to find out about environmental management grants and incentives for your area.

Department of Primary Industry (DPI)
The Department of Primary Industries purpose is to promote the sustainable development of primary industries for the benefit of all Victorians. To find out about environmental management grants and incentives delivered by DPI for your area search in the relevant CMA websites.
Other options are to visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au or phone customer service on 136 186 (Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm).


Department of Sustainability and Environment
The Department of Sustainability and Environment brings together the state's responsibilities for sustainability of the natural and built environment. Visit www.dse.vic.gov.au or phone customer service on 136 186 (Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm) to find out about environmental management incentives such as Bush Tender, Carbon Tender and Land for Wildlife. View map to find regional contacts.

Landcare
Landcare is a voluntary community group movement that aims to improve natural resource management. Landcare operates largely in rural Australia, involving 40% of farmers, who manage 60% of land. The Federal and State Governments provide funding to Landcare Groups for on-ground works and coordinators. Depending on where you are, the Landcare groups in your area will have different priorities and projects, to reflect the interest of that community. Visit www.landcare.net.au to find out information relating to Landcare regions, groups, networks, news and events.

Trust for Nature 
A non-profit organisation that is helping to conserve privately-owned natural bush in the following ways :
•    Conservation covenant
This permanently protects the land from subdivision, clearing or other threatening activities - even after the property changes hands.
Over 581 covenants have been registered covering more than 66,000ha.
A number of shires are offering a rate rebate to landholders with a conservation covenant.
Conservation Covenants can also attract an income tax deduction and concessional captial gains tax treatment.
 See - www.ato.gov.au/nonprofit (search conservation covenant)
•    Stewardship program
Covenant protection continues through this program by supporting owner's efforts to best manage the land - through technical advice, help obtaining fencing and rate rebates, and flora and fauna surveys.
•    Revolving fund
Uses funds from bequests and donations to buy and protect land. Properties are sold with a conservation covenant in place and the proceeds replenish the revolving fund to allow future purchases.

For more information visit www.trustfornature.org.au or contact Head Office in Melbourne on
Phone 03 9670 9933 or 1800 99 99 33.