Korong Ridge, nestled in the heart of Loddon Shire, is where Cassinia Environmental’s dream of large-scale, community-driven conservation first took root. This initiative lives on as an impressive example of how private landowners can come together to rejuvenate landscapes and safeguard biodiversity, benefiting both people and nature in the process.
From Farmland to Thriving Habitat
Back in 2008, Cassinia acquired 974 hectares of worn-out grazing land adjacent to the Mount Korong Reserve managed by Parks Victoria. Restoring this area would effectively double the conservation space in the region and enhance connections between different habitats.
The first move was daring: we removed all internal fences to create a seamless habitat where wildlife could roam freely. With support from an initial voluntary carbon offset agreement, we kicked off the revegetation process, planting thousands of native species and tackling invasive pests head-on.
Once the land was revitalized, it was divided into eight manageable lots. Each lot was placed under a Trust for Nature covenant, formally ensuring its legal protection for conservation forever. The lots were then sold to eight individuals with a commitment to a Covenant Management Plan, which dictates the ongoing management of the lots as a continuous landscape.
Life at Korong Ridge
Each landowner looks after their own lot, but they also collaborate to maintain the entire landscape. They’re committed to the same conservation goals but retail individual responsibility for their property. On average, they spend about eight to ten hours a month on shared conservation tasks – such as weed control, pest management, and fence repairs. They hold regular meetings, share responsibilities, and learn from one another.
For many of the individuals, this way of life has been life-changing. Kate, one of the early landowners, admits she was initially hesitant:
“The principles of conservation were attractive, but the restrictions felt like a deterrent at first. Seven years on, I’m now an advocate for the model. It’s inspirational – it empowers landowners and recognises the value of small-scale, local conservation efforts.”
Others, like Ian, have embraced the mix of peace, purpose, and community:
“I want to build a house on my block, be more self-sufficient, have a veggie patch, enjoy the quiet… and reforest my block back to what it was. Everyone [the landowners] brings different skills. We bounce ideas off each other and get more done together.”
For James and Trudy, who came with a background in conservation land management, Korong Ridge offered a chance to put their knowledge into practice on a landscape scale:
“We love the lack of fences. The kids can run through the property. Everyone has autonomy, but we share resources and learn from each other.”
The Environmental Impact
Korong Ridge is a treasure trove of biodiversity. During restoration efforts, the Robust Greenhood orchid, once thought to be extinct (having not been observed since 1941!), was found here again, alongside other endangered species like the Snowy Mint Bush, Hooded Robin, and Painted Honeyeater. By tackling invasive pests such as rabbits, foxes, and deer, and reintroducing native plants, this land has transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife.
The area also carries cultural significance, featuring rock wells and other landmarks that were historically used by the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Safeguarding these sites adds an important layer to the conservation efforts taking place here.
Why This Model Matters
Korong Ridge was a trailblazer for what we now refer to as Natural Communities - landscapes managed collaboratively by a group of landowners. This concept has since evolved into Natural Agriculture Communities (NACs), where conservation and regenerative farming go hand in hand.
The achievements at Korong Ridge have shown us that conservation can coexist with the livelihoods of those who live and work on the land. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: when people engage with and care for the land, biodiversity flourishes.
As Kate puts it:
“Who has a bigger incentive to care for a place than the people who own it?”
Looking Forward
The insights gained here have sparked a new wave of communities, the first of which being Watchbox Valley Natural Agriculture Community, which is open for expressions of interest now.
These communities will carry on the vision: linking people with nature, restoring biodiversity on a larger scale, and demonstrating that conservation and sustainable living can truly complement each other.
The Korong Ridge Conservation Estate is a story of private landowners making collective land use choices to regenerate a degraded landscape and benefit species diversity. It is a story which shows that people living on and invested in the landscape have a great capacity to change environments for the better.
It is an approach that enables Australia’s indigenous biodiversity to be restored, protected, and reconnected, with people committed to living in the landscape in order to care for it for future generations.
