No Landcare funding?

Jobs in jeopardy as Parties stay silent

The future of Landcare funding in NSW is uncertain, in the lead up to the March 25 state election.

The Coalition and Labor have pledged verbal support to Landcare, however no formal funding has been pledge – the first time in a decade no announcement has been made prior to an election.

For three decades Landcare Co-ordinators across NSW have supported land managers and community. In Hay, the Trees on Plains Landcare Group is part of the fabric of the town, and regularly facilitates workshops and information sessions.

Local Co-ordinator Jenny Dwyer’s latest project is bringing to life a native community garden in the grounds of the Hay Gaol complex.

Understandably Mrs Dwyer has concerns.

“From last year’s election the Federal Government has allocated the state continued funding for Landcare, so the ‘global package’ is still available.

“It is up to the new state government - from the election later this month - to allocate these funds.

“If the new NSW Government does not support the proposed Landcare Program to at least the current standard, roles paramount to the success of the current Landcare Program including, but not limited to, Local Landcare Coordinators such as myself, Regional Landcare Coordinators and Aboriginal Officers positions’ will all be in jeopardy.

“One can hardly expect the valuable environmental outcomes attained to date can continue.”

Murrumbidgee Landcare has called for a commitment to the Landcare Program to 2027 from all parties.

“While volunteerism is at the heart of Landcare, the work of professional Regional and Local Landcare Coordinators is essential in providing coordination and support services such as information, training, communication, data, tools and guidelines,” said Nicole Maher, Murrumbidgee Landcare Regional Landcare Coordinator. “These structures and services enable Landcarers to get on with the job of protecting our natural resources, promoting sustainable agriculture and building social capital.”

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin said despite verbal support from the major parties, Landcare NSW is extremely concerned about what the future of the program would look like beyond June 2023.

"If Landcare does not receive a funding commitment to continue the state-wide program beyond June 2023, we fear the resources our groups provide to support communities will be significantly compromised as will the on-ground work we are able to deliver," Mr Guerin said.

"As a predominantly volunteer movement, we rely upon funding support to assist the government to achieves its own outcomes to build the capacity and longevity of positive environmental and agricultural on-ground outcomes."

Candidates for Murray in the upcoming NSW election incumbent member Helen Dalton, The Nationals Peta Bettas and The Riverina State’s David Landini were contacted, but did not comment on the future of Landcare.

Local Landcare Co-ordinator Jenny Dwyer’s position hangs in the balance, in the lead up to the NSW election.