18 September 2024 | Landcare Tasmania has welcomed last week’s commitment from the State Government and Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jane Howlett, to provide funding for community Landcare initiatives over the next three years.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jane Howlett met with local landowners and Landcare Tasmania's CEO at Epping Forest in August 2024 to announce the second stage of funding of the Tasmanian Government's Landcare Action Grants.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Stronach said this important funding boost will ensure Landcare Tasmania can continue to fulfill its role as peak body and ensure that all Tasmanian communities are empowered and enabled to care for the land and water of lutruwita/Tasmania.
“This funding enables us to continue to support our more than 300 member groups and 6,500 volunteers statewide to restore and manage Tasmania’s unique and special landscapes and waterways.
“We have been working closely with Minister Howlett’s office and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania to develop programs and initiatives that will ensure the important natural values management work of Landcare Tasmania continues, with more than $1.8 million being invested into the Landcare community over the next three years through the 2024-2025 budget.
“This is welcome news and will allow us to continue to support community grassroots Landcare through the ongoing Landcare Action Grants program, our community support program, our volunteer support initiatives such as essential group insurance, and support for the Tasmanian Community Landcare Conference and Awards. Guaranteeing core funding over this period will allow the value-adding of our services ensuring sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of our organisation.
“Healthy ecosystems and good management of natural resources are key to Tasmania’s future prosperity. Landcare Tasmania plays a vital role in supporting local land and water management initiatives, and encouraging communities to take a more active role in the sustainable management of natural assets. This includes the upskilling of a local volunteer and employment workforce, linking communities to local businesses and industry, and connecting them to a broad knowledge network from across Tasmania and beyond.
“This investment not only strengthens Tasmania’s resilience but also reinforces our commitment to building capacity and future proofing landcare in Tasmania.
“For three decades, our dedicated community of Landcarers has been at the forefront of protecting and restoring our island’s precious land and ecosystems. From sustainable and innovative agricultural initiatives to habitat and waterway restoration, our network is making a tangible difference every day to communities across Tasmania.
“Tasmania grapples with a range of complex challenges, and the Landcare movement offers a practical, science-driven, community-based solution. Participation in Landcare strengthens social connectedness and resilience, which is important for the challenges ahead.
“Connecting our members and programs with partners, across all levels of government, not-for-profits, the corporate sector, and land-tenures, we are ensuring that Tasmania’s landscapes are preserved for future generations, while demonstrating the tangible impact of effective land management.”
Read Minister Jane Howlett’s media release here.
