Melbourne—Dentons has advised The Nature Conservancy on a AUD$55 million project to acquire and manage the Great Cumbung Swamp, one of the most important wetlands in the Murray-Darling basin.

The Nature Conservancy, in a joint venture with Tiverton Agriculture, has purchased two properties Juanbung and Boyong near Oxley, an area that is home to more than 130 bird species and 200 plant species.

Dentons partner John Grimble and solicitor Joyce Teng provided pro bono advice on all aspects of the complex property acquisition and were assisted by Cameron Steele, Vanessa Walsh, Natalie Yeung, Jodie Wauchope, Karla Lauder, Tom Liang and Kate Arnold.

Partners John Mollard and solicitor Marco Madzzar advised on the hybrid conservation-commercial joint venture documentation between The Nature Conservancy and Tiverton Agriculture, a venture that will see continued support for local employment, balancing sustainable agriculture and long term conservation goals.

Dentons partner John Mollard noted that Dentons was thrilled to be able to assist The Nature Conservancy in its mission to protect these important wetlands.

“It’s one of the most ambitious private conservation-focused deals that we have seen in Australia and will mean that 33,000 hectares of unique ecology will be professionally managed and protected for future generations.”

“This incredibly important deal brought together lawyers from across the Firm to provide pro bono advice on the property acquisition and guidance on the leading environmental arrangements under the joint venture with Tiverton Agriculture.”

“The Nature Conservancy has projects in more than 70 countries globally, and Dentons is delighted to be able to support them in their mission both in Australia and around the globe.”

The Nature Conservancy also helps manage the nearby Nimmie-Caira Wetlands and is working with a not-for-profit Aboriginal organisation there to restore the wetlands and promote sustainable farming. Dentons advised The Nature Conservancy pro bono on the current lease arrangement with the NSW State Government for the Nimmie-Caira wetlands.

The Nature Conservancy is a charitable environmental organisation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, United States. Its mission is to "conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends."

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