Joint media release: Recognising Australians making a difference through Landcare

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt

Landcare Week which kicks off today is an important opportunity to recognise Australians who are helping restore, enhance and protect the natural environment in communities across the country.  

This year's theme, Experience Landcare, encourages Australians to engage with their local landcare groups and experience environmental and sustainable land management action firsthand.

The Albanese Labor Government proudly supports the Landcare movement through $14.5 million in funding under the Natural Heritage Trust. 

Landcare is a proud Labor legacy, with former Victorian Labor Premier Joan Kirner joining Heather Mitchell to begin the Landcare initiative in a small town in Victoria in 1986.  

Landcare went on to become a national movement in 1989, established by the late former Labor Prime Minister, the Hon Bob Hawke AC, with the advocacy of Philip Toyne from the Australian Conservation Foundation and Rick Farley from the National Farmers’ Federation.  

Landcare Week highlights the many benefits of getting involved in local projects, from improving biodiversity and restoring waterways to strengthening communities and connecting people with nature. 

It recognises the many individuals, community groups and organisations caring for land and waterways across Australia, including those involved in conservation land management, sustainable agriculture, Cultural land management and developing the next generation of landcare leaders. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt: 

“Landcare and its many volunteers play a crucial part in protecting and restoring our precious natural environment.

“Labor has a proud legacy of supporting Landcare. Our Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program supports Landcare groups to carry out important work revitalising waterways across the country, removing invasive species and reducing the risk of wildfire. 

“These efforts don’t just benefit native birds and fish, they also benefit local communities by improving access to nature and enhancing our natural surroundings.

“The Albanese Government will continue to support the thousands of Landcare groups and volunteers around the country and the work they do.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Landcare Week recognises Australians who are rolling up their sleeves to care for their local environment and make a difference in their communities. 

"For decades, farmers have been an important part of the Landcare movement, helping to balance productive agriculture with the sustainable management of land and natural resources. 

“We want to see our agriculture sector continue to move towards a sustainable future, and much of the groundwork has already been in partnership with Landcare volunteers.   

“This Landcare Week I thank these volunteers for all that has already been achieved over the decades - I know there is plenty more to come.”