The Victorian Government has announced more support for environmental volunteering and local communities by providing funding for vital Landcare jobs in Eastern Victoria.

The funding will deliver 80 Landcare facilitator jobs across the state for the next three years and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said this includes a facilitator for the following organisations:

• Cardinia Environment Coalition Inc.
• West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
• Western Port Catchment Landcare Network
• Yarra Ranges Landcare Network

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 is investing $52 million over four years to continue targeted action to improve biodiversity through grants and direct involvement by the community to protect threatened species, improve habitats and reduce threats to biodiversity.

This includes $13 million to continue the successful Victorian Landcare Program, ensuring that Landcare facilitator roles are supported.

A variety of organisations in rural, regional and urban areas receive funding to employ Landcare facilitators, who give support to their local environmental groups.

Facilitators support around 650 Landcare and environmental volunteer groups and networks across the state to plan and deliver on-ground natural resource management works that engage local communities, build community capacity and encourage diverse participation.

These actions contribute to the delivery of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 and Victorians Volunteering for Nature – Environmental Volunteering Plan.

The Victorian Government has demonstrated further support through opening the $2.55 million 2021 Victorian Landcare Grants and by inviting nominations for the 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards to recognise the outstanding work of individuals and groups.

For more information visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/landcare/VLFP

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

 “This funding recognises the crucial role that Landcare jobs play in Eastern Victoria. These positions empower our environmental volunteers and landholders to continue their valuable environmental work.”

 “We are committed to strengthening and building Landcare and environmental volunteering to ensure it continues to deliver real, on the ground results and meets the current and future environmental needs of the local community.”

“This funding will help volunteer groups to boost their capacity and continue delivering the environmental projects that make such a difference to the environment in Eastern Victoria.”