In December 2020, the BCT (with assistance from the University of New South Wales) ran two surveys designed to investigate landholder experiences across five broad themes: program administration, social benefits and considerations, economic benefits and considerations, biodiversity values and motivations, and demographics. 

The Landholder Survey was designed for landholders who have an in-perpetuity or term conservation agreement with the BCT (including pre-2017 agreements). The Program Participant Survey was designed for landholders who made an application to participate in a BCT program (since establishment in 2017), but who withdrew at some stage or were unsuccessful in their application. 

Key findings include: 

89% of respondents’ motivations for entering into an agreement were based heavily on their belief that landholders have a responsibility to conserve biodiversity. 

Overall respondents feel good about participating in private land conservation, feel like they are part of something larger than themselves, and that their efforts reflect the values of people they are close to. 

Landholder Survey 1

Over 60% of landholders who receive annual payments agreed that signing an agreement with the BCT had diversified their income, and that the conservation area contributes to the profitability of their property. 

Landholder Survey 2

The majority of respondents perceived that BCT staff act with integrity (81%), are helpful (79%) and are competent (78%), and generally found BCT communication materials enjoyable to receive, easy to understand and useful. 

Landholder Survey 3

The BCT's December 2020 program participant survey showed most respondents agreed or strongly agreed they were satisfied with the BCT: 

  • communication (80%) 
  • responsiveness (76%) 
  • relevance of information (78%) 
  • access to information (73%) 
  • ease of understanding information (76%) 

Most respondents also agreed or strongly agreed they were satisfied with the BCT's staff: 

  • competence (78%) 
  • reliability (72%) 
  • commitment (71%) 
  • integrity (81%) 
  • helpfulness (79%) 

The BCT will use the findings of these surveys to inform business process improvements. We intend to conduct a similar survey every three years.