Case Studies
The Great Cumbung
$50,000,000+
2019
The acquisition of the Juanbung and Boyong cattle stations in outback Australia is the most valuable conservation-focussed land acquisition in Australia’s history. The 86,000 acre properties contain almost the entire extent of the Great Cumbung Swamp, the largest single intact reed wetland left in southern Australia. Situated on the lands of the Nari Nari, Muthi Muthi and Jita Jita peoples, the Great Cumbung is home to more than 200 species of plants and that provide habitat for 150 species of mammals and birds. Investment returns are generated through conservation-friendly grazing, agroforestry and biodiversity stewardship.
Key collaborators: ANZ, The Nature Conservancy, Tiverton Agricultural Impact Fund
Sustainable Development Goals: 13 Life on Land
Gayini
$100,000,000 +
2019
Gayini is the most ambitious water recovery project in Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin. Gayini – the Nari Nari Aboriginal word for water – is an exemplar of how agriculture and other enterprises can thrive alongside nature and Indigenous culture. The project has seen the recovery of 381,000 megalitres (309,000 acre-feet) of water entitlements and the conservation of globally significant wetlands. Known as the ‘Kakadu of the South’ in 2019 this 220,000 acre expanse was officially returned to Indigenous ownership, making it the largest land handback to date in southern Australia. Investment returns at Gayini will be generated by conservation grazing, biodiversity stewardship, renewable energy, ecotourism and the delivery of ‘two-way learning’ education and health programs.
Key collaborators: Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group, Nari Nari Tribal Council, New South Wales Government, The Nature Conservancy and others
Balanced Water Fund
$60,000,000 +
2015
The Murray-Darling Basin Balanced Water Fund is the world’s first impact fund for water rights. Launched in partnership with agricultural asset manager Kilter Rural and supported by National Australia Bank, the Fund uses private capital to deliver returns to investors, provide secure water to farmers and restore wetlands at scale. Its unique attribute is impactful and profitable water sharing through ‘counter-cyclical allocation and trade’. When water is most scarce and agricultural demand is highest, more water is made available to farmers. When water is most abundant and agricultural demand is lowest, more water is made available to wetlands. The counter-intuitive approach meets the needs of agriculture and nature by reinstating the natural wetting and drying rhythms of the Basin. As at October 2020, the Fund has delivered an annual return to investors more than 18% pa.
Key collaborators: Kilter Rural, NAB, The Nature Conservation Water Fund
Balibo Fort Hotel
$1,000,000 +
Key collaborators: Balibo House Trust, Australian Government, Timor Heritage Hotels, Government of Timor-Leste, Rotary SDG Goals
Urambi Farm
$1,000,000 +
Collaborators: Ivy Street Superannuation, Wadawarrung Traditional Owners, Regeneration
ReefBuilder
$40,000,000 +
Collaborators: Australian Government, HSBC, NAB, The Nature Conservancy and others