Allens Arthur Robinson (Allens) has advised Bush Heritage Australia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting Australia’s unique wildlife, on the acquisition of two parcels of land at Liffey, 47km south-west of Launceston, Tasmania.
A long-standing pro bono client of the firm, Bush Heritage Australia was founded by Greens leader Bob Brown 20 years ago. The land at Liffey, measuring 14ha, includes the property known as ‘Oura, Oura’, which was Mr Brown’s personal retreat for almost 40 years and is also home to native animals including platypus, falcons, quolls and bandicoots. Mr Brown donated the property to Bush Heritage Australia so that it can be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.
Allens work on the pro bono matter included preparing advice to the board of Bush Heritage Australia, carrying out legal due diligence, advising in relation to the ‘deeds of gift’ of the parcels of land, providing taxation advice, and acting on the transfer of the land.
Led by Real Estate Partner Mark Stubbings and Tax Partner Adrian Chek, the acquisition is the latest in a string of matters involving Allens and Bush Heritage Australia, including the negotiation of a vegetation plan agreement in respect of one property, and advising on the establishment of an investment fund.
‘We view our work with Bush Heritage as a significant way to give back to the community in an area that is important to Australia’s natural heritage and extremely interesting to the lawyers involved,’ Mr Stubbings said.
‘Bush Heritage now owns almost one million hectares and helps manage another two-and-a-half million hectares.
‘Their aim is to care for one per cent of the Australian landscape, which equates to about seven million hectares, by 2025.
‘We look forward to working alongside them to help achieve that goal.’
According to Bush Heritage Australia chief executive office Doug Humann, Allens’ pro bono support is accompanied by a genuine interest and commitment to the cause.
‘Allens is one of our most important partners in our work to protect Australia’s bush for future generations,’ Mr Humann said.
