Then Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, Joan Kirner, officially recognised Landcare in north western Victoria in 1986. Some 20 years later, Mount Alexander Shire has a very active community, with the highest density of Landcare groups of any municipality in Victoria. Thirty-two active Landcare and conservation groups operate in the Shire. They work on a broad range of issues, including pest, animal and plant control; remnant conservation; erosion control; salinity management; and public education and awareness.
Landcare Coordinator, Chris Pollock, facilitates and supports Landcare groups in both Mount Alexander and neighbouring Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Through workshops and information sessions, she assists groups to develop plans of action.
“Our major aim is to encourage community engagement and development,” she said. “By promoting Landcare, we are encouraging people to get involved and actively participate in their community. While we facilitate meetings and assist with finding the right grants and funding, we only advise on plans of action so participants feel ownership over their projects.”
Chris Pollock said people commonly mistake Landcare as farmers putting plants into the ground. “We are much more than that,” she said. “Landcare is way of life, everyone is responsible.”
Manager Sustainable Development, Fiona McMahon, said that Council is encouraging new residents, particularly those taking up lifestyle properties in rural areas to become environmentally aware.
“As well as referring people to Landcare groups in their area, we provide all new residents with a copy of ‘Caring for Country’,” she said. “This guidebook explains how to manage and recycle waste and water, reduce fire risk, control weeds and vermin, and conserve and improve areas of native vegetation. It also provides new residents with a helpful list of key contacts and local retailers.”
