Landcare: What's New?

NTCA applauds ‘good news’ on Landcare network funding

Northern Territory cattlemen have applauded the Federal Government’s decision to continue funding Australia’s national Landcare coordinators network, and has congratulated Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke for ‘his foresight in supporting such an important program’.

“As custodians of more than 46% of the Northern Territory land mass, our members are world leaders in developing and implementing sustainable farming practices, and Landcare has played a vital role in helping them achieve that,” NT Cattlemen’s Association President Rohan Sullivan says. “Landcare is also an important network in rural communities and has many positive benefits beyond its practical applications.”

Mr Burke’s decision to provide $33 million over four years under the Caring for Our Country program follows extensive talks with Landcare groups and MPs in light of uncertainty over the future of the community-based positions.

Some 56 Landcare coordinator positions across Australia will be funded from next year, with transitional funding available immediately to allow current coordinators to continue their existing jobs until then.

“It’s good to see we have a Federal Agriculture Minister who is prepared to get out there and spend time with producers and listen to what they have to say,” Mr Sullivan said. “This is good news for the Territory if it translates to industry-based positions. We have one of the lowest impact, clean and green food production systems in the world but are increasingly being called on to find new ways to improve efficiency while enhancing soil and environmental health – for generations to come.”