Biodiversity Legacy (BDL) supporter and Ned’s Forest land donor, Julie Taylor-Mills, recently spoke to an audience of landholders, agency and government representatives at the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT)’s ‘Protecting Nature, Forever’ event at the Parliament of NSW.
With partner Mark, Julie donated Ned’s Forest on the NSW South Coast to Biodiversity Legacy in 2023 and is a strong advocate for private land conservation and encouraging those with the means to do more to protect our landscapes. Julie called on the audience to support BCT’s vision for partnering with philanthropists to accelerate the expansion of the National Reserve System across NSW – a sentiment echoed by the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for the Environment, who said the nature crisis was too large for governments to tackle alone.
BDL’s National Contracts Manager and Southern NSW Biolink Coordinator, Dixie Fitzclarence, also attended the event. After joining BDL in 2024 as its first Southern NSW representative, Dixie is rapidly building connections with landholders across NSW and relationships with government agencies, not-for-profits and community groups supporting landholders in preserving ecologically significant landscapes.
“Biodiversity Legacy actively engages with organisations like Trust for Nature in Victoria and, via our association with the Ecolands Collective, we have strong ties to Land Covenantors Victoria, so it’s great to build an understanding of, and relationship with, BCT and its various stakeholder groups in NSW,” said Dixie.
Like Trust for Nature, BCT is the lead covenanting agency in NSW, offering landholders financial incentives, conservation agreements and management support to safeguard native habitats. Private land conservation is a collaborative effort, and in NSW, BDL is working with BCT and other organisations across the sector, like Landcare, Local Land Services and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to support landholders in achieving their land conservation vision.
“It was also lovely to hear from Julie, who is a powerful speaker, and to talk to attendees about the Biodiversity Legacy model and mechanism for safeguarding private properties in perpetuity. Through these partnerships, private land conservation continues to be a vital component of biodiversity protection in NSW and beyond.”
A biodiversity legacy for Victoria’s southeast coast
The Nature Recovery Foundation (NRF) is a bold initiative committed to reversing biodiversity decline on Victoria’s Bass Coast and protecting the natural environment for future generations. The NRF is a partnership between Bass Coast Shire and Biodiversity Legacy, with each organisation having two directors on the board.
The Foundation’s initial focus is on tracts of land within the Bass Coast Shire, where the aim is to protect and enhance existing habitats while accelerating large-scale landscape restoration. As the Foundation grows, there may be opportunities to expand our impact beyond this region, most likely into South Gippsland.
The NRF is currently working towards Deductible Gift Recipient status, which will strengthen the Foundation’s legitimacy and open opportunities for tax-deductible donations, further supporting our long-term goals.
The Foundation’s Mission
To achieve lasting environmental restoration, the NRF will:
Protect priority areas of remnant biodiversity.
Secure and restore land with high ecological potential.
Create viable habitat refuges connected through biolinks.
Leverage partnerships and green investment for long-term sustainability.
Build a lasting legacy for future generations.
Next steps
This is an exciting step for Biodiversity Legacy, as several members of the team live in the adjacent shire of South Gippsland and, as a group, we have deep links to other environmental non-profits via our connection to the Ecolands Collective.
Stay tuned for more updates on the NRF in the coming months (as at March 2025).
How to ensure the family farm can continue to thrive and prosper for generations to come
Biodiversity Legacy Director and active land covenantor, Jim Phillipson, is a strong advocate for succession planning to ensure that landholders and families can stay connected to the land.
Jim was one of 40 speakers invited to present at the GROUNDED farming festival in Tasmania, where he provided practical tips and advice on succession planning for farming families – a critical yet challenging conversation.
Modelled on the UK’s Groundswell festival, GROUNDED was established by the renowned Australian chef turned farmer Matthew Evans and partner Sadie Chrestman. It is a unique platform created ‘by farmers, for farmers’ allowing them to share knowledge about regenerative farming practices, food systems, soil and much more. Over 6,000 people attended the event.
Heather and Jim Phillipson on their family farm in East Gippsland.
Approaching challenging conversations
Jim highlighted the fact that, while these conversations can be difficult, if neglected they can jeopardise the future of the farm.
He emphasised a structured approach to these discussions, highlighting several key strategies, including the engagement of a neutral facilitator to guide discussions.
“This third party provides an objective perspective, helping to manage emotions and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the farm,” said Jim.
“Their role includes communicating with title holders and formalising agreements, which can lead to more productive conversations.”
Jim advises starting initial discussions with a small group, specifically those listed on the property title. This approach minimises complications and allows for clearer decision-making.
“Once a foundational framework is established, broader family discussions can take place.”
Establishing a defined timeframe for succession planning is also crucial, said Jim, who recommends a seven-year window, broken down into three, five, and seven-year goals. This timeline encourages structured planning while preventing procrastination, making the process more manageable and focused.
A significant shift in mindset is also necessary when prioritising the farm over individual family members. By treating the farm as an independent entity, families can foster long-term viability and avoid the pitfalls of dividing the farm or selling it off. This perspective encourages discussions that focus on the farm’s future rather than individual interests.
Jim also urged the audience to consider alternatives to equal shares among children.
“Placing the farm into a protected legal entity can ensure its sustainability while providing income for retiring parents. This method can often yield better financial outcomes than traditional equal division,” he said.
Finally, he stressed the importance of acting while there is still control over decision-making. “Delaying the succession planning process can lead to a loss of influence over the farm’s future. By starting early and setting clear goals, families can create a succession plan that benefits both the farm and its family members.”
