Are economic instruments the saviour for biodiversity on private land?

Abstract

IT is the year 2020. Farmers have broken the record for the number of threatened species recorded on private property in a single year. Five species of woodland bird are removed from threatened species lists. The area of private land managed for biodiversity now exceeds the area of public land managed for biodiversity. Farm income from biodiversity is greater than wheat. The Biodiversity Growers Association calls for the environment levy on Australian taxpayers to be increased. Drought relief payments are at an all time low. Retiring head of government conservation agency described as "visionary" by farmers' representatives.