Bellbrae’s covenant champions recognised

FIVE landowners in Bellbrae have been recognised for their work in protecting Victoria’s environment into the future.

The five couples were among those who received certificates of appreciation for placing Trust for Nature conservation covenants on their property titles.

The covenants are permanent, legally binding agreements placed on a property’s title to ensure native vegetation on the property is protected forever.

The agreement is voluntary, backed by Victorian law, and negotiated between Trust for Nature and each individual landowner.

Phil Pilgrim, one of the five Bellbrae landowners, said discussions to create a covenant on 20 hectares of land behind the five properties began about 15 years ago.

He said the land in question was remnant bushland from the time before European settlement.

“The amount of remnant bushland is decreasing year on year, so it’s important we preserve bits of it.”

As part of the covenant, the five landowners also agreed to a management plan to keep non-indigenous species out.

Mr Pilgrim said coastal wattle was the biggest threat, as it was slowly creeping inland.

“We typically remove about 1,000 plants a year, it’s a very invasive acacia, so we just keep on top of that.”

He said the event in Bellbrae on November 22 was an opportunity to thank Trust for Nature – one of Australia’s oldest conservation organisations – for its work, particularly Corangamite regional manager Chris Lindorff.

“We’ve been blessed with our contact; he was a great help,” Mr Pilgrim said.

“He’s a botanist and his knowledge is just incredible.”

Trust for Nature chief executive officer Victoria Marles thanked everyone at the event for their commitment to conservation.

“Conservation covenants are a wonderful way to leave a legacy for future generations,” she said.

“They are one of the most important contributions a private landowner can make to protect the biodiversity of Victoria.”