Victoria Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith

Coalition Gives Landcare $600,000 Birthday Gift

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Government has marked the 25th anniversary of the Landcare movement with $600,000 to help fund activities, highlighting the great work of this iconic volunteer movement.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith joined Ferntree Gully Primary School students and local Landcare volunteers for a tree-planting session to mark Schools Tree Day.

“Landcare has had 25 strong years of providing support for our environment. It is timely that we show our support on their 25th anniversary.” Mr. Smith said.

“$600,000 for Landcare will progress the vital work that Landcare Volunteers perform across our state.”

“Each Landcare group and network in the 10 Catchment Management Authority regions of Victoria will receive $60,000 to progress their great work.”

“With this funding the Victorian Coalition Government thanks our Landcare volunteers for the outstanding contribution they make to our parks, rivers, wetlands, coasts and more.”

“We recognise and acknowledge the work of these dedicated volunteers and groups devoted to making sure Victoria’s natural environment is protected and restored for future generations to enjoy.” Mr. Smith said.

“Landcare brings landholders and communities together to plan, organise and develop practical ideas to address environmental or land management issues of common concern.”

“I hope that all Victorians will join me in recognising the significant impact that Landcare has had on our environment and our community.”

There are now 750 Landcare groups in Victoria and 5,000 throughout Australia. These volunteer groups run a wide variety of projects and initiatives that enhance and protect our state’s natural resources.

For more information about Victorian Landcare go to www.landcarevic.net.au

Victoria Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh

WALSH THANKS LANDCARE VOLUNTEERS

Victor P Taffa

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh has acknowledged the magnificent work of Landcare volunteers throughout Victoria.

With groups around the state celebrating Landcare Week this week, Mr. Walsh has urged the Brumby Government to show more support for the thousands of volunteers who protect and restore our natural environment.

“Landcare Week is a great opportunity to say thank you to the thousands of dedicated volunteers across Victoria who work to sustainably manage the state’s natural assets.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The effects of drought, salinity, erosion and now the devastating effects of the floods across much of the state are regularly tackled by Landcare groups with outstanding results.”

Mr. Walsh called on the Brumby Government to match the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition’s pledge to restore funding for Landcare co-ordinators.

“The work of Landcare volunteers has been severely hampered by Labor’s decision to axe funding for Landcare co-ordinators.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has committed $12 Million to fund up to 75 % of the salaries of 60 Landcare Co-ordinators across Victoria.”

“These co-ordinators will provide the expertise in project funding applications, project development and management, communication and administrative support the volunteers need to be able to carry out their vital work.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The funding is in addition to the Coalition’s $1 Billion Regional Growth Fund and will ensure the magnificent work carried out by Victorian Landcare volunteers will continue to benefit rural and regional Victoria for many years to come.”

Mr. Walsh said the Brumby Government had given only half-hearted support to Landcare.

“The Brumby Government stood by and watched while Labor slashed Landcare support staff in Victoria from 140 in 2007-08 to 35 by the end of 2009.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Labor must acknowledge the fantastic work of Landcare and its volunteers and give the organisation its full support.” Mr. Walsh said.

VIC Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh

Victoria Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh

JENNINGS GETS DIRTY OVER LANDCARE

Victor P Taffa

64 AND COUNTING – ANOTHER LAME IMITATION OF COALITION POLICY BY LABOR

The Brumby Government cannot be trusted to deliver on Landcare, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said today.

Mr. Walsh said Environment Minister Gavin Jennings had a terribly poor memory after deriding the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition’s $12 Million commitment to the volunteer conservation group as a ‘bogus environmental election pledge’.

“Labor’s latest adopted policy has left Gavin Jennings embarrassingly red faced.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The Minister went on a shrill smear campaign last month in an attempt to discredit the Coalition’s $12 Million commitment to Landcare.”

“At the time Gavin Jennings accused the Coalition of ‘dodgy costings’ which he said had a ‘funding black hole of $12 million’ and would ‘pay only half-wages or less.”

“Embarrassingly, he today announced a $9.9 Million package that falls more than $2 Million short of our commitment.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The Minister expects that funding, which by his calculations is $14 Million short of what is needed, not just to guarantee those co-ordinator positions, but also to attract new volunteers and increase participation.”

Mr. Walsh said the Coalition had announced it would provide $12 Million to fund up to 75 % of the salaries of 60 Landcare co-ordinators across Victoria, after the Rudd Government slashed the organisation’s funding.

“The role of Landcare co-ordinators in providing expertise in project funding applications, advice on project development and support for groups in management, communication and administration is vital.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Unlike Labor which has promised to fund Landcare out of regional development funds, our commitment is in addition to the $1 Billion Regional Growth Fund we will establish if elected.”

Mr. Walsh said the Brumby Government’s record on Landcare spoke for itself.

“John Brumby stood by and did nothing while Labor slashed the number of Landcare support staff in Victoria from more than 140 in 2007-2008 to just 35 at the end of last year.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Today’s promise is nothing but a hollow grab for votes and one John Brumby cannot be trusted to deliver.”

“The Coalition’s pledge is a fully costed, long-term commitment which recognises the value of these Landcare positions.” Mr. Walsh said.