6/09/2020. Every year since 2004, Landcare Tas has been able to support projects of our members through funds donated to the tax-deductible Tasmanian Landcare Fund.

We're excited to be able to continue supporting projects this year, with a range of existing and new activities.

(Photo: Friends of Maatsuyker Island crew)

Read on to find out more about this long-term work, and the fantastic support provided through organisations like the JM Roberts Charitable Trust.

The photos featured here are just some of the projects from Round 22 of the Tasmanian Landcare Fund grants.

Photo: Indigenous students investigating Miena cider gum management, science, and cultural talk at Brady's Lake with Jason Whitehead, Highland Conservation Pty Ltd

Landcare Tas registered as a deductible gift recipient organisation in 2004, establishing the Tasmanian Landcare Fund to receive donations to support our charitable work on environment and land management outcomes. The biggest supporter of projects funded through the TLF has been the JM Roberts Charitable Trust, whose contributions now total over $700k and have supported almost 150 great Landcare projects on the ground.

The Roberts Trust was established through a bequest of the late John Roberts, who wished to support better land and soil management and revegetation activities through Landcare. John's foresight has meant that Landcare Tas has been able to continue to support members projects even during times when other sources of funds (e.g. government programs) have been limited or unavailable. It is a vital and enduring part of the story of community Landcare in the State. 

All of our members who have received funding through the TLF owe a debt of gratitude to the Trustees appointed to manage John's estate and deliver a continuing supply of funds for Landcare projects on the ground. The Trust has been particularly generous in its support of Landcare this year, with donations of almost $85k, meaning we will be able to support two main areas of activity.

Photo: King Island NRM field days at Currie

Round 24 of TLF on ground projects will be rolled out this year. Projects will be selected from our Project Bank. Only projects that have been submitted by members will be funded, so register your project if you haven't done so already.

We have also been able to complement Round 24 with funds from the Ecological Society of Australia and the Australian New Zealand College of Anaesthetists for carbon plantings, trees through our partnership with Fifteen Trees, discount supplies through our relationships with Waratah of Tasmania (horticultural and equipment supplies) and Outdoor Cameras Australia, and our terrific and supporting native plant nurseries. TLF funds will also be used alongside those from the Tasmanian Government's Landcare Action Grants to commence a major landscape scale project in the Meander Valley to deliver production and biodiversity ouitcomes through shelterbelts, revegetation and fencing of remnant and riparian areas.

Photo: Waypoint collection for mapping at Woolnorth for Circular Head Landcare

This year the Roberts Trust has also contributed generously to support skills development and capacity building for the Landcare community. The funding is very much a long-term investment in the Landcare community, and will include opportunities for formal training and qualifications (e.g. first aid, chemical use) and also peer-to-peer learning of essential skills for furthering the Landcare effort and ethic.

This is an exciting time for community Landcare in Tasmania, which despite the disruption of COVID-19 is continuing to grow strongly. We'd love to hear from any individuals, businesses or other organisations who wish to discuss how they can become part of supporting the 5000 people who are volunteer Landcarers in Tasmania.

Photo: Boxthorn clearing with Friends of Falmouth Foreshore