Landcare Victoria Inc. has expressed disappointment that despite playing a critical role tackling biodiversity loss and climate change, today’s Victorian budget provides no new funding for Landcare Facilitators and Regional Landcare Coordinators.
Landcare Victoria Inc. Chair Jane Carney said she felt let down.
“Eighty Facilitators and 10 Coordinators harness the power of more than 600 groups and tens of thousands of volunteers across the state, but right now they are under resourced and lack job security,” Mrs Carney said.
“With their contracts due to end in June next year, we’re going to struggle to hold onto these incredible leaders, who have an increasingly important role to play as governments wind back extension support and ratchet up biodiversity and climate commitments.”
In June 2023 the Victorian Government announced an $8.2 million investment in extending the roles of 80 part-time Facilitators and 10 Coordinators, until 30 June 2025.
Late last year Landcare Victoria delivered a 10-year plan that set out a blueprint for landcare’s key role in creating biodiverse, productive and resilient Victorian landscapes.
“We urgently need funding certainty so that we can deliver on the blueprint and continue to support the Victorian Government in restoring biodiversity and tackling climate change.”
