Bush Recovery Programme

The NRCMA aims to assist landholders to protect high conservation value habitat and manage native vegetation.  One of the ways the NRCMA achieves this is to provide incentive funding to landholders to help with essential on ground works and changes in management. Application to these programs is simple and areas can be protected from ten years to in perpetuity by way of secure conservation agreements. These are in the form of either Property Vegetation Plans under the NSW Native Vegetation Act, or civil contracts as Landholder Management Agreements.

In recent years the Bush Recovery Program has been the main incentives program and has been a great success in engaging with landholders, building skills and capacity to manage native vegetation, and securing long-term protection of large, high value areas. The first three rounds of Bush Recovery delivered almost $2.5 million to 90 properties totalling around 4,500 hectares and at an average cost of $21/ha/yr.   The program has been very popular in rural communities and while demand far exceeded available funds, over 40% of applicants were funded. 

Bush Recovery Program Funds were sourced through the NSW State Sustainability Fund and Commonwealth Natural Heritage Trust While funding is not available in 08/09, the NRCMA will be running a smaller scale incentive program (Biodiversity Grants) in the northern end of the Region.

One of the most accessible information sources on NRCMA funding programs is E-news - a monthly newsletter on NRCMA and other funding, training and learning opportunities.  If you would like to register for E-news please send an email to northern@cma.nsw.gov.au with register E-news' in the email subject.   Alternatively, for further information on the NRCMA's vegetation incentives Programs please contact Michael Hallinan, Catchment Officer on Ph 02 6627 0119 or email michael.hallinan@cma.nsw.gov.au