About us
Northeast Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in the world, including the famous Bay of Fires. Yet for many years protecting the northeast has been overlooked, even though it is an area of exceptional biodiversity.
This region is now under ever-increasing pressure, primarily from development and tourism, making it more important than ever to protect the natural values that attract visitors.
The North East Tasmania Land Trust (NETLT) was established to help remedy this situation. It is a not-for-profit community-based charity.
The Trust endeavours to raise (tax-deductible) funds to acquire, manage and conserve land and forests of significant ecological value. This includes linking and managing landscapes to create vital ecological connections (corridors).
NETLT aims to protect northeast Tasmania’s unique natural values by obtaining and protecting important land through Conservation Covenants so that it is not developed or cleared - ever.
Committee members work for NETLT in a voluntary capacity. Each member brings a broad range of skills and experience to decision-making aimed at conserving the region’s natural environment.
Current committee members:
Val Schier - President
Todd Dudley - Vice President
Andrew Wilson - Treasurer
Alan Richmond - Public Officer
Secretary - Vacant
Pam Bretz - Committee Member
President’s Report for AGM: 23 August 2026
I am pleased to be able to report to members re the activities of the North East Tasmania Land Trust over the financial year of 2025/2026 and again thank the committee members for their continuing voluntary commitment to NETLT despite all having busy work and travel schedules.
We have kept the organisation going for another year with several modest achievements:
· We have our meetings back on track with the required 3 meetings per year and a AGM within three months of the end of the financial year: 30 September yearly.
· Thanks to Christine, the website has finally been upgraded; please check it out if you haven’t already done so.
· Christine has also refreshed the Face Book with additional posts. Christine will appreciate any photos of environmental activity on the coast to enable more frequent posting of items.
· We have continued to manage and maintain the blocks of land for which NETLT has responsibility – 186 Gardens Road Binalong Bay and the Diana’s Basin block - and to be engaged in discussions about their future.
· Sadly, there is still no positive response from the Break O Day Council re waiving the rates on the two pieces of land. We incurred costs of $1 344.42 in legal fees to transfer the Gardens Rd block from Council and a further $4 843 was paid to the State Revenue Office. We had hoped that councillors could assist by advocating to Council as rates are rapidly depleting our bank accounts.
· The resolution of the estate of Ms Rosemary Haig, who made a bequest to NETLT of 3% of her estate in her will, remains ongoing. Lawyers advised that this should be resolved at the end of 2025; however, additional claimants have complicated finalisation of the will.
· We continued to be available and support the Restore Skyline Tier program and congratulate Todd on his efforts to obtain considerable federal government funding.
· This is the last meeting for Graeme Beech who has resigned and is moving interstate to take up new challenges. We applaud Graem for his contribution and wish him well.
· Increasing our membership continues to be a challenge. Even though we do not have the funds to acquire additional properties, NETLT plays an important role in supporting the NE Tasmania Bio Regional Network which continues to do excellent environmental work.
We have managed to fulfil our organisational requirements despite moving in different states and relying on Zoom. I thank the committee and all members who care about our environment.
Val Schier, President
President’s Report for North East Tasmania Land Trust AGM: 7 December 2025
I am pleased to report to members on the activities of the North East Tasmania Land Trust over the financial year 2024/2025 and thank the committee members for their continuing voluntary commitment to NETLT despite all having busy schedules.
We continue to manage and maintain the land for which NETLT has responsibility and to be engaged in discussions about its future.
Despite representations to the Break O Day Council, there has been no resolution regarding waiving the rates on either the land we protect at Diana’s Basin or the property at Binalong Bay that was transferred to NETLT from Break O’Day council, incurring considerable costs (Council legal fees of $1 344.42; and then duty of $4 843 to the State Revenue Office). We are exploring the possibility of selling the land to the neighbours who have a Conservation Covenant (protected in perpetuity) on their land. Hopefully, councillors may be able to assist in advocating to Council.
We have been advised that an estate in the USA has made a bequest to NETLT. We are waiting for this to be finalised.
The committee confirmed the increase of NETLT membership fees to $15 single and $40 family and also agreed to have three committee meetings per year, with the AGM to be held each September.
Another initiative supported by our organisation is the Shore Bird Education program for schools, which has successfully educated children at two local schools and proposes to extend the program. Tasmania’s resident and migratory shorebirds, some of which have flown from places such as Siberia, continue to be threatened by off-leash dogs, beach driving and general human disturbances.
We are pleased to continue our support role for the Restore Skyline Tier Forest restoration project managed by the North East Bioregional Network, and were delighted that the Federal Government announced additional funding to the Network for its project.
We continue to seek ways to increase our membership and donations to secure the future of our important organisation.
Thanks again to the committee and all members who care about our environment.
Val Schier
President