If a property is in New South Wales, the N.S.W. Rural Assistance Authority has a financial assistance scheme, called the Special Conservation Scheme, in which the information brochure specifically mentions establishing Old Man Saltbush.

A link to that page has been included here –
http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/reader/special

There are some key elements that may be worth mentioning when answering questions relating to the requirements mentioned in the information brochure –

• Demonstrate that the works have a significant beneficial impact on the land, the community and the environment AND are not purely productivity based.

• Explain that the works will complement or improve the natural resource base of the farming enterprise.

Some of the following examples may be appropriate in an application–
• Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) is an Australian native plant.

• The old man saltbush root system is a great recycler of nutrients, it pulls the valuable nutrients up from the depths of the soil and these nutrients then become available to the entire biosphere.

• Old man saltbush is a highly productive species specifically adapted to dryer areas, its leaf and root systems being very water efficient.

• Old man saltbush provides excellent habitat and shelter for many native species of animals, reptiles and birds.

• Old man saltbush provides great shelter for grazing animals, especially sheep and lambs, this it can help to reduce exposure stress to extreme weather conditions.

• Old man saltbush is an excellent fodder plant for sheep and cattle.

• Old man saltbush has the ability to rehabilitate saline or eroded soils

Each local Rural Counsellor is able to assist anyone to fill out the application form if need be. Other states may well be similar schemes operating too so take some time to investigate what opportunities are available.