Who we are

The north east of Tasmania is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world, including the famous Bay of Fires. Yet for many years the north east has been overlooked as a region in need of protection, even though it is an area of exceptional biodiversity.

The North East Tasmania Land Trust (NETLT) was established to help remedy this situation. It is a not-for-profit community-based charity

To achieve this, we endeavour 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 ecological connections (corridors).

OUR MISSION is to raise funds to purchase important natural places that are under threat.

NETLT aims to protect North East Tasmania’s unique natural values by obtaining and protecting important land through Conservation Covenants so that it is not developed or cleared - ever.

Local wombat and joey at the Chain of Lagoons.
Diana's Basin. An area on the North East coast of significant scenic beauty and biodiversity value.
Hooded plover on a North East coast beach. Highly vulnerable to human disturbances and dogs

Committee members work for the Land Trust in a voluntary capacity. Each member brings a broad range of skills and experience to decision making aimed at conserving the natural environment.

Current committee members:

Val Schier - President

Todd Dudley - Vice President

Andrew Wilson - Treasurer

Alan Richmond - Public Officer

Christine Hosking - Secretary

Graeme Beech - Shorebirds projects

President’s Report for North East Tasmania Land Trust AGM: 7 December 2025

I am pleased to be able to report to members on the activities of the North East Tasmania Land Trust over the financial year of 2024/2025 and thank the committee members for their continuing voluntary commitment to NETLT despite all having busy schedules.

·         We have continued 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 186 Gardens Rd, Binalong Bay that was transferred to NETLT and incurred 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 Gardens Rd 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 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 for a 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 shore birds, 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 we were delighted that the Federal Government announced additional funding for the 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