The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, has issued an urgent call for Labor’s Minister for Environment to increase funding for Landcare Victoria.
Speaking in state parliament, Ms Bath highlighted the critical role Landcare facilitators play in environmental conservation and called on Labor to deliver $48 million over four years in the upcoming state budget to ensure the continuation of their work.
The funding request included $9.5 million per annum for 100 Landcare facilitator positions, $2 million per annum for 10 regional Landcare coordinators, and $500,000 per annum for Landcare Victoria Incorporated’s support program.
Ms Bath said the Landcare program delivered multiple benefits to regional communities, but the program needs future certainty.
“Over the past decade, Landcare’s funding has not increased or kept pace with the rise in CPI with our facilitators stretched thin and asked to do more with less.
“It is widely accepted that for every $1 invested in Landcare facilitators, $7 is impressively returned as a minimum.
“Landcare Victoria volunteers dedicate their time to habitat restoration, weed reduction, and other environmental efforts without financial compensation.
“Our Landcare facilitators coordinate the 60,000 strong volunteers and the project work which delivers impressive environmental, social, and economic returns.
“Recently, I coordinated Landcare’s attendance at state parliament to display their work and I continue to thank coordinators and volunteers for their valuable efforts.
“An increase in program funding is crucial for protecting vulnerable species and ensuring the future success of our Landcare program to deliver essential regional projects.”
