Launch of the Conservation Covenanting Project

ADDENDUM TO PAPER PREPARED BY DR BRIAN WHELAN
VICTORIAN TRUST FOR NATURE FEBRUARY 1996

1. A Development Manager was appointed in June 1998 to receive funds, lift Trust profile and increase membership

2. A review of the trust was conducted in April 1998, following on which it was decided to increase resources by increasing the time of the 6 Regional Co-ordinators from one day per week to 3 days per week

3. They have moved into their own offices (leased) in July 1998 out of government office space - even though the latter was free

4. The Trust purchased the first property in Australia as a partner with Environment Australia as part of the National Estate system, 17 ha of native grassland. Previously funds had only been provided to state departments

5. The Trust secured good funding for their work through ~Bushcare as part of the grant process of the Natural heritage Trust

6. They have reviewed all 43 of their properties through the Revolving Fund and sold two already at a profit

7. They conducted their first local exchange with the State Government and sold the exchanged properties through the Revolving Fund, generating about $250,00

8. They bought 3 properties through the Revolving Fund and sold 2 already at a profit

9. They have received 2 significant bequests in the last 12 months ($120,000 and c.$300,000)

10. They now have 260 registered covenants protecting 1 0,000 ha

11. They had discussions with the Queensland Minister and appropriate departments about setting up a trust in Queensland

12. They had discussions with the Tasmanian Conservation Trust about setting up a Trust in Tasmania.