Land for wildlife

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Land for Wildlife is a free, voluntary program that encourages and supports landholders to provide habitat for native wildlife on their properties.

Whether you manage a large rural property, small bush block or lifestyle acreage, the program offers practical advice and assistance to help you protect and enhance natural areas while continuing other land uses.

When you join Land for Wildlife, qualified extension staff will visit your property and provide tailored advice on:

  • Integrating wildlife conservation with other land management activities
  • Local plants, animals, threatened species and ecosystems
  • Habitat management and conservation techniques
  • Incentives available to help protect and improve wildlife habitat

Participants also receive access to:

  • Free workshops and field days
  • Regular newsletters
  • Opportunities to connect with like-minded landholders
  • Free Land for Wildlife sign to recognise their contribution to conversation.
  • Free native plants from our Mackay Natural Environment Centre.

Free native plant program

Important:

Land for Wildlife status does not change property ownership, allow public access, or designate your property as a wildlife sanctuary.

Does my property qualify?

Land for Wildlife welcomes landholders who:

  • Manage some or all of their land as habitat for native plants and animals
  • Combine conservation with other land uses such as farming, grazing or tourism
  • Have a property generally larger than 1 hectare (some exceptions apply)

The program recognises that every property is different.

If your property does not initially meet the criteria, you may be eligible for a “working towards” registration, with support provided to help you achieve full registration over time.

Neighbouring landholders can also apply together for group registration.

What can we achieve?

Your property can play a vital role in protecting native species and ecosystems.

By maintaining and restoring native vegetation - including trees, shrubs, groundcover and leaf litter - you can create valuable wildlife habitat.

Land for Wildlife can assist with:

  • Restoring degraded land
  • Protecting remnant vegetation
  • Improving habitat diversity
  • Connecting wildlife corridors across the landscape

Many of Queensland’s rare and threatened species exist on private land. Protecting these areas helps ensure their survival and strengthens biodiversity across the region.

Healthy natural ecosystems can also deliver real benefits, including:

  • Reduced soil erosion
  • Improved soil structure and water quality
  • Natural pest control
  • Pollination and fertilisation
  • Shade and shelter for livestock

While national parks and reserves protect important areas, they cover only a small portion of Queensland. Conservation on private land is essential to support long-term environmental sustainability.

Benefits of joining the program

Participating landholders receive a property assessment and personalised advice, including:

  • How to balance land use and wildlife conservation
  • Habitat protection and management strategies
  • Weed control guidance
  • Information on available incentives and support

Additional benefits include:

  • Networking with other landholders
  • Learning through workshops and field days
  • Access to newsletters covering topics such as:
    • Native plants and animals
    • Pest and weed management
    • Habitat restoration and revegetation

 

 

The Land for Wildlife program is funded by Council through the Natural Environment Levy.

If you are interested in joining the program or would like more information, please contact council’s Natural Environment Team by completing the below form.

Native plants and wildlife programs application

 

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