Proposed Native Vegetation Heritage Agreements for Key Conservation Reserves

Council is seeking to apply for grant funding to enter into Native Vegetation Heritage Agreements (NVHA) for six ecological reserves across Mount Barker district. The purpose of this consultation is to seek your support to protect remaining native vegetation in ecological reserves.

The proposed reserves include:

1. Day Paddock, Macclesfield – 8.5 ha
2. Night Paddock, Macclesfield – 5.6 ha
3. Yantaringa Reserve, Hahndorf – 7.6 ha
4. Coppin’s Bush, Littlehampton – 3.5 ha
5. Stringybark Reserve, Jupiter Creek – 10.6 ha
6. Stone Reserve, Macclesfield – 3.06 ha

From early engagement activities, Council has received letters of support from the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, Bush For Life, Macclesfield Bushcare Group and Friends of Yantaringa Reserve.

What is a Native Vegetation Heritage Agreement?

A NVHA is an agreement between a landowner and the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, based on recommendations from the Native Vegetation Council (NVC).

It supports the permanent protection and restoration of Indigenous biodiversity, including flora, fauna, and ecosystems. These agreements preserve the natural health and character of the land in perpetuity and contribute to important conservation outcomes. More information can be found here: www.environment.sa.gov.au

A NVHA is placed on the title of the land parcel and remains in perpetuity (even if it is Crown land). The agreement restricts activities that may impact detrimentally native vegetation. Existing passive recreational uses at these sites will continue unchanged.

Why were these six reserves chosen?

The six council‐managed reserves were identified as they meet the criteria for a Heritage Agreement. These sites are considered suitable based on:

• land size,
• the presence of quality native vegetation, and/or
• their value as habitat for rare, threatened, or vulnerable species or ecological communities.

What activities are avoided if there is a NVHA over a reserve?

To support the long-term health of these environments, the NVHA promotes practices that maintain ecological integrity. As a result, certain activities are generally avoided, such as:

• removing native vegetation;
• introducing non-indigenous plant species;
• grazing livestock;
• undertaking actions that may reduce water quality, flow, or quantity;
• introducing non-indigenous animals;
• collecting or disturbing standing or fallen timber;
• disturbing soil or rocks;
• applying fertiliser;
• constructing buildings or other structures; and
• using trail bikes or other recreational vehicles within the protected area.

Why are we doing this now?

The Native Vegetation Council (NVC) is currently inviting landholders to apply for incentive grants designed to support the establishment of new NVHA. These agreements provide a commitment to conserve and restore native vegetation, ensuring long-term protection of biodiversity, ecological and cultural values. Applications for grant funding close in June 2026.

How you can have your say

This consultation is open from 8 to 29 April 2026. You can have your say by:

• completing the online form; or
• sending a written submission via email yoursay@mountbarker.sa.gov.au or in person to 6 Dutton Road, Mount Barker or posting to PO Box 54, Mount Barker SA 5251