Conservation Agreement (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) (Cth) (Australia)

Summary

An agreement under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act), between the Minister for the Environment and Heritage and the owner of land, for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in Australia.

Extended Definition

Such an agreement is voluntary but once made is binding on all parties to the agreement and anybody who subsequently acquires an interest in the land. Under the EPBC Act the Minister can enter into conservation agreements with Indigenous peoples, corporations wholly owned by Indigenous persons and corporations and trustees holding land for the benefit of Indigenous peoples.

Conservation agreements can also be made under s 69B of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 for the protection of areas of natural, cultural, and scientific significance or of Aboriginal cultural significance. These agreements are also voluntary but binding on the parties and any successors to the land.