BushBank Revolving Fund

BushBank is a $2 million revolving fund, which operates by purchasing, covenanting and on-selling bushland properties to a conservation-oriented owner. The proceeds from the sale of the land are then returned to the capital fund to purchase and protect more natural habitat.

BushBank was established in August 2001 by a consortium of WWF Australia, Department of Conservation & Land Management, WA Landcare Trust and the National Trust of Australia (WA).  The National Trust administers the program.

The initial $2 million capital fund consists of $1 million from the State Government and $1 million from the Natural Heritage Trust.  The National Trust is keen to increase this fund for conservation.

Protection in Perpetuity

All BushBank properties are sold with a conservation covenant negotiated as a condition of sale.  Conservation covenanting services are offered by the National Trust and the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Covenantors with these organisations have access to management advice and support through the stewardship programs. The stewardship officer works closely with the landowner to develop and execute a management plan.

In some cases, significant incentives are available to covenantors.

Achievements

BushBank commenced operations in August 2001 and is now firmly established in the conservation land market.

A number of properties have been purchased in the Wheatbelt and south-west of the state and many more are currently being assessed for suitability. In some cases, properties are revolved with a minimal holding period, in others improvement works and revegetation are undertaken prior to sale.

Each property is assessed on a case-by-case basis, to determine the optimum outcome for the land.

Where to from here?

BushBank is now targeting significant and threatened habitats across the south-west of Western Australia, within the International Biodiversity Hotspot area, including the Stirling Ranges, Denmark and the northern sand plains.

Property Selection

In selecting properties for purchase, BushBank must consider the following factors:

·              Conservation values;

·              Threats;

·              Viability of bushland;

·              Asking price; and

·              Re-sale potential.

Buying and Selling Land

If you are interested in purchasing or selling land through the BushBank Revolving Fund, please contact us.

How You Can Help

As a not-for-profit organisation, The National Trust of Australia (WA) is able to receive tax-deductible donations of money or land.

Donations of money will help to expand BushBank’s capital fund, increasing its purchasing power to save more precious conservation land.  Donations also increase the funds available to undertake improvement works, such as revegetation, on BushBank properties.

Donation of a conservation property for inclusion in the BushBank program not only ensures protection of that land, but also contributes to the conservation of further important land using sale proceeds from the gift.  All donated properties are on-sold with a conservation covenant to ensure their long-term protection.

Please contact us for further information about tax-deductible donations, or if you are interested in becoming more actively involved with these programs.