BushBank Frequently Asked Questions

What is BushBank?

BushBank is a revolving fund, administered by The National Trust of Australia (WA) on behalf of a consortiuum of The National Trust, the Department of Conservation & Land Management and WWF Australia.

How does BushBank work?

The BushBank program works by purchasing areas of native bushland that have high natural heritage values. The land is then assessed and a management plan is drafted and implemented. A conservation covenant is placed on the titles of the property, before it is on-sold to a conservation-minded buyer. The funds from the on-selling of property are then returned for BushBank for use in purchasing another property (ie. the funds are "revolved" through sequential properties).

How are BushBank properties selected?

BushBank’s priorities for purchase are:

• areas of high conservation value that have been extensively cleared with the aim of securing the future of poorly represented ecosystems.
• land adjacent to, or near, other properties with a conservation covenant or of strategic importance for conservation to create larger conservation precincts. BushBank may purchase farmland and conservation land as a package and then on-sell the farmland to an adjacent landowner while the bushland may go to a sympathetic purchaser. The farmland may be strategically revegetated prior to resale.

What are the benefits of buying a BushBank property?

BushBank properties are individually selected for their natural beauty and conservation values. By purchasing a BushBank property, you not only become the proud owner of an important area of native bushland, but you are also given guidance and advice on how to manage the land through the stewardship program of the covenanting organisation.

What are the benefits of donating a property to The National Trust?

The revolving fund is an attractive vehicle for people who want to donate land that has conservation value, knowing the land will be permanently protected. In some cases the land may be transferred to become part of a National Park and in others the property will be sold and the proceeds recycled to buy other properties with conservation value. The Trust is a tax deductible body and all donations of $2 and over may be claimed as a tax deduction. Gifts of land for conservation purposes are tax deductible.

What are the benefits of selling a property through BushBank?

By selling your property through BushBank, you can be confident that the conservation values of your land will be protected in perpetuity, and that the new owners will be dedicated to the care and good management of the property.

What happens to the land once BushBank sells it?

Once the land has been sold, the new owners are responsible for the land’s management, supported by either the National Trust’s or Department of Conservation & Land Management’s stewardship programs. The conservation covenant restricts activity that could have a detrimental effect on the bushland.

What happens to the proceeds from the sale of a property?

The proceeds from the sale of a BushBank property are returned to BushBank to purchase other valuable property for conservation. BushBank revolves the funds, enabling further protection of habitat with the same amount of money.

Where do the funds for BushBank come from?

The BushBank revolving fund was initially set up with $1M from the Natural Heritage Trust and $1M from the State Government.