National Landcare Network media release

Tuesday, 7 July 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Community snubbed by Caring for our Country

The iconic community landcare movement appears to have been left out of the government’s Caring for our Country funding program, National Landcare Network spokesman David Walker said today in Adelaide.

Mr Walker said the grants announced last week by Ministers Bourke and Garrett had largely bypassed the “real natural resource managers” – landholders and community landcare groups.

Of the $403 million that was announced last week, just $1.4 million, or 0.3%, has gone to community landcare. The vast majority of the funds had gone to government agencies and authorities, who might manage staff, plans and budgets, but don’t actually manage our land and water resources.

“The real resource managers have missed out. Funding should support and involve the people on the ground. Instead, there is a much smaller funding pie carved up into fewer pieces for big organisations.

The government has indicated there are still some funding announcements to be made – we hope community-based landcare feature prominently there,” David continued.

“Landcare has a proven track record in producing best practice environmental outcomes and in growing and maintaining important social and community networks. The strength of landcare is its local focus and character. Ministers Burke and Garrett must ensure that grassroots landcare has a place within their Caring for our Country program.”

The newly formed National Landcare Network met in Adelaide over the weekend to discuss landcare matters. This Network has formed to give a truly national voice for community landcare.

Further comment:
David Walker
0428 418 332

National Landcare Network
www.nln.org.au