Case study: Learning how to protect and manage habitat

Land for Wildlife was founded more than 40 years ago in Victoria when a group of conservationists and farmers joined together to protect declining bird populations on farms. This program was successful in establishing habitat and providing farmers with skills to care for wildlife on their properties. The program was brought to Queensland in 1998 by SEQ local government officers. Currently 13 Local Government Areas work closely together to run the Land for Wildlife South East Queensland network

Land for Wildlife is a council funded program and is free for landowners to join. Properties range from schools, to residential blocks, to large agricultural properties. The program provides resources and knowledge and supports landholders to better manage wildlife habitat on their properties. . The program also includes site visits for on-ground advice from a Land for Wildlife Officer and the development of personalised plans. These plans serve to protect habitat and manage threats such as pest animals and weeds. Land for Wildlife is the fastest growing network for conservation on private lands in Australia.

In 2023, the Land for Wildlife South East Queensland program achieved:

• The planting of over 1.8 million native plants.
• 78,780 ha of retained habitat.
• 9,132 ha of habitat under restoration.
• 5,455 properties participating.
• 41,456 observations and 4,841 species sightings recorded.

At the heart of the Land for Wildlife program are landowners who are passionate about the environment. One such landowner is Rob Bauer, an organic farmer in the Lockyer Valley. Rob has been managing his organic farm for over 30 years continuing a long line of family farming. For Rob, organic farming is part of healthy living - something to which he has long been committed to having transitioned his farm from chemical dependency to organic practices in the 1980s.

Rob first became involved with the Lockyer Valley Land for Wildlife program while managing a local landcare group. He felt the program was a good fit for what he was striving to achieve on his property. He is a firm believer that the “birds, bees and the trees all go together with the crops” and emphasises the connection between nature and agriculture.

Roughly half of Rob’s 282-acre farm is under active cultivation for organic cropping with the remainder providing habitat for wildlife. He continues to build and maintain the health of the remaining property and has seen the number of wildlife increase and the trees he planted year ago turn into beautiful forest. He says the thing he is most proud of is seeing his grandson following in his footsteps. Rob has shared his knowledge and love of organic farming and bush care with school groups and other visitors that have gone out to visit the farm to see his achievements. Over the year’s more than 3,200 people have visited his property to learn more about his sustainable practices.