Across Australia, the national Landcare movement has assisted urban and rural communities to sustainably manage their environment through community based works. This Landcare movement has been highly successful, and now involves more than 4,000 Landcare groups.
Many Landcare groups involve urban and/or rural communities working together to solve common problems. Tree planting, weed control, and community education are common activities. Some Landcare groups also play an active role in monitoring the health of their environments through programs such as the SaltWatch, WaterWatch, and WormWatch. Many schools are particularly active in this regard.
Landcare is highly successful for several reasons. It permits individuals to join with others to address common environmental concerns and to learn more about environmental issues facing their community. It also assists groups to undertake Landcare projects such as tree planting and to access community grants.
To further promote Landcare in central Victoria, two Shire Councils joined forces to produce a land management booklet for their local community. This booklet contains everything that their urban and rural communities may need to know about Landcare in their area, including Landcare groups and contacts, funding sources, native plant nurseries and organic recycling depots, relevant agencies and programs, and educational centres.
Substantial general information is also included, such as advice on obtaining permits for firewood collection.
This booklet has been extremely well received by the local community, and represents an ideal model for other Councils across Australia. For advice on preparing a similar booklet for your Council area, contact Wilson Land Management Services Pty Ltd on (02) 6257 1447.
