Congratulations to Tasmanian farmers

FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson has congratulated the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Bush Heritage Australia and the 10 Tasmanian Midlands farmers who scooped the pool today at the prestigious national Banksia Award.

The Midlands Conservation Fund – a partnership between Bush Heritage, the Tasmanian Land Conservancy and the farmers – has taken out the 2014 National Capital section for leadership and innovation in the sustainable management of renewable and non-renewable resources.

The fund was launched in 2013 with a landmark $3.3 million to help farmers in the Midlands conserve grassy woodlands and protect threatened native species.

Mr Hutchinson said that the farmers involved had for generations been stewards and custodians of these significant areas.

“These grasslands are poorly represented within conservation areas around the world.

“That’s why it’s significant that these people and their families who for generations have been stewards of the land have been recognised in this way.

“The integral relationship they have had with the fine merino wool industry is part of the story and these landowners are most deserving of this recognition.’’

Beaufront owners Julian and Annabel von Bibra are conserving nearly 200 hectares of grasslands on their 12,000 hectare property. They join the owners of nine other properties between Epping Forest and Tunbridge who have signed as anchor points for the project.

The fund will support more landowners to conserve habitat on working farms and aims to reach $10 million by June 2020 to cover a further 8000 hectares of grasslands and grassy woodlands in the Midlands.
FEDERAL Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson