$8.9m grant helps local Landcare projects grow

LANDCARE Australia has received $8.9 million in federal funding, supporting its efforts to create impactful partnerships and programs aimed at protecting the environment.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker and Landcare Australia Chair Doug Humann announced the funding at the site of a successful Landcare project in Aireys Inlet.

 

 

The site on Bambra Road had previously been stripped bare and left desolate by intensive farming.

However, over the past few years, the now lush valley has been regenerated by the local community in partnership with Landcare and protected from future development.

“The Albanese Government will continue the fight to protect our native species, our amazing coastal environments, and expansive hinterlands so they can be enjoyed in the future,” Ms Coker said.

“This funding will support local organisations to protect and restore our precious places, including threatened species habitat.”

Ms Coker said the Aireys Inlet project was indicative of the type of initiatives supported by thousands of Landcare groups across Australia.

 

 

In July 1989, Bob Hawke launched Landcare as a national movement aimed at sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.

From the banks of the Murray River, he initiated a grassroots effort that has since become a cornerstone of environmental management in Australia.

Landcare Australia Chair Doug Humann said that today, Landcare is the largest environmental management movement in Australia, with over 6,000 community groups and countless volunteers.

“We are thrilled to continue delivering outstanding programs on behalf of the Australian Government and achieving positive outcomes for the landcare movement, our environment, vital agricultural lands and communities nationwide.

“We are grateful to the Australian Government for its continued support and acknowledgment of the outstanding work our organisation is delivering.

“Partnerships are vital in achieving our outcomes, and we are eagerly looking forward to collaborating with all our partners, especially Landcare Australia’s First Nations Landcare Working Group.

“Together, we’ll make a real difference.”

 

 

The Natural Heritage Trust grant will help deliver programs such as Landcare Agriculture, First Nations Landcare, the National Landcare Conference, the Landcare Awards, the NextGen Symposium, and campaigns aimed at fostering nationwide engagement and environmental stewardship.

“We want to make sure our children and grandchildren can enjoy our beautiful environment – and that means acting now to protect more of what’s precious and better manage it for the future,” Ms Coker said.

“That includes dealing with feral animals and weeds to give our native plants and animals the best chance of surviving and thriving.”