The BushBank Program – Environmental Planting at Cobram Estate

At Cobram Estate, sustainability at their olive groves is not just confined to farming practices.

Over 1,400 hectares of existing remnant native vegetation across their Australian properties provides valuable habitat for local fauna. Justin Pilgrim, Sustainability Manager at Cobram Estate, says there is more they can do to supplement this. “There are areas on our properties that are not suitable for productive olive farming, so we are very interested in how we can support nature and biodiversity”.

To expand from native forest protection to restoration, Cobram Estate registered an environmental planting project across 200 hectares at its Boundary Bend grove in the Mallee region of north-west Victoria. The project is registered under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme and is estimated to sequester up to 40,000 tonnes of CO2e over a 25-year period, with revenue from carbon credits to help cover project costs over time.

Planting native vegetation in the Mallee landscape has had its challenges. Direct seeding in 2022/23, despite plenty of rain, didn’t translate into immediate plant success, so in 2024/25 the project switched to planting seedlings which has led to better results. Justin found that you need to “plan well, seek expert guidance, and be prepared for challenges. Success depends on good planning and flexibility”. Cobram Estate’s success is due to its commitment, and collaboration with local Landcare groups, restoration experts, nurseries, and government partners.

Funding sought from the Private Land Stream of the State Government’s BushBank Program has been welcome in helping Cobram Estate manage additional costs. Through BushBank, all project areas will be protected under a Trust for Nature conservation covenant.

The project is also part of Cobram Estate’s broader commitment to nature and biodiversity, with the company partnering with the Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group (VMRG) to restore habitat for the small population of Malleefowl birds residing nearby. The Malleefowl is listed as vulnerable in Victoria and federally. “We have adopted the local Malleefowl bird as an unofficial mascot for our Australian operations. There is a fondness for the level of care and effort the bird puts towards building and maintaining their nests that we have in common with how we manage our olive groves”, Justin says.

Cobram Estate demonstrates how agricultural businesses can support biodiversity and carbon sequestration while maintaining productive land. Their efforts ensure a healthier future for both the environment and their business.

The Victorian Government’s $77 million BushBank program is addressing climate change and supporting wildlife as it restores more than 20,000 hectares of land across Victoria. Landowners across Victoria can express interest in undertaking a BushBank project on their property. The next selection round of EOIs closes 31 July 2025. For more information about the BushBank Private Land Stream and to get involved visit: https://cassinia.com/bushbank/.