Private land conservation

Tweed Shire is recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else.

With 86% of the Shire privately owned, landholders play a crucial role in protecting local wildlife, including rare and threatened species. Discover practical ways you can contribute to private land conservation and learn how Council can support your efforts.

Land for Wildlife

Land for Wildlife is a free, voluntary program that supports private landowners to protect and manage wildlife habitat on their property. By joining, you’ll receive advice, resources, and guidance to help conserve nature alongside other land uses.

To participate, your property needs to have native vegetation or the potential to restore habitat. The process is simple: register your interest and a Council officer will visit to check eligibility. If your property meets the criteria, you’ll become part of the program and gain ongoing support, without changing your property’s legal status.

Landholders play a vital role in conserving local biodiversity, and Land for Wildlife helps guide and support this important effort.

Find out more and register your interest at Land for Wildlife – Community Environment Network.

Backyard Habitat for Wildlife

Backyard Habitat for Wildlife is a self-guided program that helps suburban landholders create safe spaces for native animals in their own backyards. In urban areas, backyards and green spaces are essential for providing food, shelter, and wildlife corridors, especially where natural habitat has been lost. By making small changes, you can support local biodiversity and help protect rare and threatened species.

To learn more, explore our online resources, including the My Local Native Garden, a planting guide to promote biodiversity in Tweed Shire. This guide will help you to design, plant and maintain your own garden using species that are native to your area. You can also subscribe to our Wild Life newsletter for tips, inspiration and upcoming events.

My Local Native Garden(PDF, 6MB)

Grants

Council offers grants to help landholders and community groups protect and restore the natural environment. The Biodiversity Grants and River Health Grants both provide funding and expert advice to help landholders care for their land and local ecosystems. Learn more about Council’s grants and how to apply.