Landcare NSW welcomes the NSW Greens Landcare Policy, launched today. The policy commits to a

Landcare Support Program that will provide the coordination and support necessary to enable the 60,000

strong volunteer movement to focus on projects, education and practice change at the local level.

The policy commits to a Landcare Trust generating $7.5m pa in sustainable funding for the infrastructure

that supports the volunteer movement. A network of local coordinators would be administered by an

independent Landcare organisation rather than a government department.

Landcare NSW welcomes the specific commitment to an Aboriginal Landcare Facilitator and strongly

supports the development of partnerships and joint projects between Landcare and Aboriginal communities.

Chairman of Landcare NSW, Mr Rob Dulhunty, said: “Landcare is a partnership between Government and

community. Investment into Landcare infrastructure will help our volunteers and landholders get on with

the job of restoring the environment and developing sustainable agricultural production.

Landcare NSW welcomes the Greens’ recommendation for a Parliamentary Inquiry.

“Landcare has evolved over 25 years and we need to ensure the policies, structures and funding

arrangements meet the needs of the volunteer movement. This is crucial given the major environmental

challenges we face and the proven social, economic and environmental benefits of Landcare.

“We support a thorough and open policy discussion. We are pleased to see the political parties renewing

their commitment to Landcare and we encourage cross-party support for a parliamentary inquiry,” said Mr

Dulhunty.

The renewal of Greens’ support for Landcare will be welcomed by Landcarers, Bushcarers, Dunecarers and

also the 93 percent of farmers who practise Landcare and the 73 percent of farmers who identify as

belonging to the Landcare movement.

Landcare NSW looks forward to working with the incoming government and all parties regarding details of

how a renewed Landcare Support Program can be administered and structured. “These decisions need to be

made in partnership with the Landcare movement,” said Mr Dulhunty. “We look forward to a constructive

dialogue and positive relationship in which Landcare is recognised for the essential and valuable role we

play.

“This funding is recognition that additional support for Landcare is needed and is not designed to replace any

current arrangements. Landcare has always gained its support from a range of government, business,

philanthropic and community sources and we expect this to continue.

“Landholders and community members volunteer their time and money, and take responsibility for

addressing challenges in natural resource management, farm productivity and nature conservation. They

will be very pleased to see their efforts formally recognised in this policy,” said Mr Dulhunty