Australian Landcare Council reinstated

Hon Greg Combet AM MP

The Rudd Government has reinforced its commitment to the Landcare movement by reactivating the Australian Landcare Council and appointing former Western Australia Agriculture Minister Kim Chance as Chair of the Council.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said Landcare plays a vital role in natural resource management across Australia and has more than 100,000 volunteers in around 4,500 groups.

“Reactivating the Australian Landcare Council will be another step forward in building a strong partnership between the Australian Government and the Landcare movement,” Mr Burke said.

“Mr Chance’s experience and passion for community Landcare would help to identify priorities to protect Australia’s natural resources and environment.

“As a former Agriculture Minister in Western Australia and a past member of the Western Australian Legislative Council, Mr Chance brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community Landcare.

“Under the leadership of Mr Chance the Council will work collaboratively with community, farmers, Indigenous land managers and urban groups to facilitate sustainable natural resource management solutions.

“The council will also support the development of the National Landcare Framework – a community framework to ensure the Landcare movement thrives into the future.

“The Council will provide advice to myself and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett on Landcare’s contribution to a range of national issues such as climate change, drought, and productivity now and into the future.

“Supporting the Landcare community in its vital work is a key priority for the Australian Government.”

Further members of the Australian Landcare Council will be appointed in the coming weeks.

The National Landcare Framework will form part of the discussions at the National Landcare Forum to be held in Adelaide on 23-24 March 2010.

More information on the National Landcare Framework is available at www.daff.gov.au/landcare.

Annie Freer

Electorate Officer

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