NFF understands that there is an approximate shortfall of 5.31% under the target to protect and conserve 30% of Australia’s landmass. Progress towards this target cannot come at the expense of agricultural land, and we note that this was the position of the former Minister for the Environment and Water. It is also critical that Protected and Conserved Areas are subject to strict and ongoing management obligations to safeguard biodiversity benefits and ensure they do not become neglected, increasing the risk of bushfires and/or serving as safe havens for invasive species that threaten neighbouring agricultural production. This is recognised under Outcome 4. Management obligations should be a requirement or condition of Commonwealth funding provided through the Australian Bushland Program ($250 million over five-years from 2025-26). There is also a shared role for State and Territory Governments to play in supporting such obligations whether that be through co-investment or through targeted programs within their respective jurisdictions.
The NFF’s full submission can be found here.
Chrissy Kerin
Stacey Davidson