DURING National Landcare Week, The Nationals’ Melina Bath is standing firmly behind Landcare and the thousands of volunteers and facilitators who dedicate their time and energy to restoring and enhancing our environment.
Ms Bath who is also the Shadow Minister for Public Land Management said the program deserved improved certainty from the Allan Government so it could make long term planning goals to benefit the environment into the future.
“This innovative program effectively empowers communities at the grassroots level and improves local ecosystems in regional communities.
“Facilitators and volunteers undertake tree planting, weed and pest control, erosion prevention, and habitat restoration – all essential in creating healthy landscapes on public and private land.”
Ms Bath said Landcare is an impressive organisation – the program notably achieves a $31.5 million economic return from just $4.5 million in investment.
“Despite its documented success, Landcare is continuing to have to lobby the state government for a long term commitment and a budget uplift that reflects the impacts it has.
“It makes no sense that Labor chooses to only deliver short term base-level funding to Landcare when it consistently has a high return on investment.
“Labor’s lack of long-term vision for community-led environmental stewardship is highly disappointing.
“It is imperative that the critical role Landcare plays in building resilient landscapes, supporting biodiversity, and empowering our regional communities across the state is recognised and rewarded.
“The Nationals remain strong supporters of Landcare and back the program as a highly effective environmental organisation.”
