5 June 2009
DAFF09/269B

The Rudd Government today announced a national network of local Landcare facilitators will continue, with a total $33.6 million committed over four years.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the decision followed extensive discussions with local Landcare groups and strong representations from a number of MPs.

From next year, up to $8.4 million will be provided annually under Caring for our Country to fund up to 56 Landcare coordinator positions across Australia.

The coordinators will work closely with producers to help them continue work improving the sustainable management of their farm businesses.

They will promote sustainable farming practices, to help secure the productivity of agriculture in the face of climate change.

The Government will also provide immediate transitional funding, to allow current Landcare coordinators to continue in their existing positions until the end of the year.

The current coordinators are based in regional natural resource management groups such as Catchment Management Authorities.

Mr Burke said since becoming minister he had spent as much time as possible with people who work the land, on their land.

“Farmers have consistently told me this Landcare network is a social glue as well as an important sustainable farming initiative,” Mr Burke said.

“Landcare was established by the Hawke Labor Government in 1989 and now we estimate around three-quarters of Australian farmers are involved or benefit from the shared knowledge.

“Rural and regional communities place an immense value on this network but the funding had not been continued under Caring for our Country.

“It is my job to listen to their concerns and ensure we now deliver the funding so these people can keep working as links in their communities.

“I thank the local members who have worked hard to represent their Landcare groups on this issue and also the groups who sat down with me to talk the issue through in detail.

“Linked with important research we are funding into soil and livestock emissions and climate change adaptation, this network will help to make the agricultural sector even more resilient.”

The coordinators will link and support Landcare and production groups involved in sustainable farming practices and on-farm natural resource management.

From next year, coordinator positions will be funded under an open, competitive process to ensure broad representation across different regions and agricultural industries.