Landcare is a unique grass-roots movement that started in the 1980s to tackle degradation of farmland, public land and waterways. The movement has expanded and evolved since then, and is achieving results Australia-wide. Individuals and groups practice sustainable agriculture and management of natural resources such as:
- soil
- water
- native vegetation.
Caring for the land includes a range of activities such as:
- sustainable farm practices
- restoring native habitats and revegetation
- controlling weeds and pests
- developing and sharing local natural resource management skills and knowledge.
The movement includes:
- Landcare groups
- farming systems groups
- ‘Friends of’ groups
- Indigenous land management groups.
There are around 6,000 groups and over 100,000 volunteers across Australia caring for the land. Many farmers and landholders also undertake this important work but are not affiliated with a particular Landcare group.
We all have a role in looking after ‘our patch’ to ensure the land and water we use for agriculture and our natural environment is healthy and sustainable.
The Australian Government’s investment in Landcare provides support at the national, regional and local level.
How do I get involved in Landcare?
The Landcare movement relies on Australians who donate their time, money and knowledge to deliver sustainable agriculture and environmental outcomes across Australia. Getting involved is easy and rewarding.
Land holders and farmers
About 58% of Australia’s land is privately owned or leased for agricultural production. Sustainable management and farm practices are key to the long-term viability of our primary industries and the continued health of our natural resources.
Landcare provides support to farmers and fishers across Australia. It helps with adoption of sustainable practices that deliver productivity and environmental outcomes. There are around 123,000 farmers in Australia. This includes around 11,500 people employed in Australia’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industry (ABS 2015).
Many production and farming groups also operate in Australia and work towards sustainable agriculture outcomes.
Groups
There are over 6,000 Landcare and related community and farmer groups in Australia. This includes Coastcare, Bushcare and Rivercare. Joining one of these groups helps you sustain your activities. You will also be part of a diverse network of like-minded people across Australia.
Individuals
As an individual there are plenty of ways to get involved in Landcare. These include:
- sharing knowledge of sustainable agriculture and land management practices with your community
- using water efficiently
- planting native plants in your garden
- making ethical decisions about purchases at your supermarket or local business
- making a tax deductible donation to Landcare groups through Landcare Australia Limited
Making contact
The Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator network is a great place to start looking for like-minded individuals in your region.
You can also contact one of the following state/territory bodies.
- National Landcare Network
- Landcare Victoria Incorporated
- Victorian Landcare Network
- Landcare Tasmania
- Queensland Water and Landcarers
- Landcare Queensland Foundation
- Landcare Association of South Australia
- Australian Capital Territory Landcare
- Landcare New South Wales
- Landcare Northern Territory
Landcare Australia Limited can also help you find your local Landcare group.
Farmers and sustainable production groups can be located through any of the avenues mentioned above.