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The two main aims of conservation, that is, sustainable development through better land care, and maintenance of natural ecosystems and species diversity through nature conservation, are distinct although complementary. Nature conservation is justified, both on ecological and ethical grounds as a valid landuse which is all the more important in a landscape modified by other modern landuse practices. An outmoded philosophy that nature conservation was not a legitimate use for land which had other economic values has resulted in an inadequate nature conservation system. The formal conservation estate must have as its basis representative ecological systems, which are supported by other sympathetically managed areas. Through cooperation at all levels of the community, a combination of formal conservation reserves, local action to provide management over important conservation areas and conservative landcare on commercially productive areas will achieve the broad objectives of the State's Conservation Strategy.