Local Biodiversity Strategy: - Shire of Kalamunda

Developers may be able to take advantage of this tax benefit by using the tax
deduction for gifting a natural area that is above the statutory requirement.
The Shire could work with a suitable deductible gift recipient (such as the Worldwide
Fund for Nature, Greening Australia or the National Trust) to promote this tax benefit
with developers during the structure planning phase. It is only likely to appeal to a
developer if they own land that can be developed as a number of residences. Only
large natural areas (greater than 4ha) in good condition or land areas attached to
the Public Open Space allocation to increase its
area should be encouraged for gifting.
11.7 Private Land Conservation
Of the remaining LNAs occurring within the
Shire, 1475 ha of vegetation occur on privately
owned land (Perth Biodiversity Project, 2004
unpublished data sets). This represents a 67.7%
of the remaining LNAs, especially with regards
to the threatened Forrestfield and Southern
River vegetation complexes that occur on the
Swan Coastal Plain.
Calothamnus rupestris (Mouse Ears)
Natural areas on private land may be fragmented, degraded or in excellent condition,
depending on their past use. There are opportunities for natural areas covering a
number of properties to be grouped together to form a viable natural area. LNAs on
private land can also provide a buffer to the biodiversity on reserves or National/
Regional Parks.
Some landowners are knowledgeable and experienced managers of their bushland,
though most owners would benefit from encouragement and opportunities to
increase their knowledge. The development of a private land conservation incentives
strategy by the Shire could assist landowners in this regard.
Private land conservation incentives strategy details a package of planning, financial
and non-financial incentives that could be made available to landholders who
voluntarily choose to protect and manage biodiversity values on their property. An
incentives strategy is essential for raising landholder awareness and their capacity to
identify, protect and manage their natural resources.
Private land conservation provides a variety of benefits in addition to biodiversity
outcomes. For example, economic benefits of retaining vegetation include prevention
of wind and water erosion, improved management of salinity, provision of shade and
shelter and a natural means of controlling pests.
For private land conservation strategies to be effective, they need to be tailored to
meet the requirements of the Shire and the landowners. This can be achieved in a
number of ways including surveys, focus groups and other community engagement
processes. In this way resources can be focused on incentives that are most likely to
appeal to the residents and to achieve the outcomes being sought.
Local Biodiversity Strategy Page 77