This report evaluates the impact of property-based rates levied by local governments and State-based land taxes on the ability of landholders to conserve native vegetation. It does so with the objective of understanding how private investment in the conservation of native vegetation can be more effectively promoted in Australia. Private investment is required because many of Australia's most vulnerable ecological communities (different types of native vegetation) are only found in small isolated patches on private land. These valuable patches of native vegetation are often found within agricultural regions and on the coastal zone where development pressures are greatest.