The national organisation that protects the Australian landscape for future generations, Landcare, turns 30 years old this month.
Launched by former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke in 1989, Landcare saw farmers and conservationists come together to form a national model to help protect the landscape.
Today’s Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the degradation of the environment was not simply a local problem, nor a problem for one State or another, nor for the Commonwealth alone.
“Rather, the damage being done to our environment is a problem for us all – and not just Government – but for all of us individually and together,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Australian farmers have an international reputation as sustainable land managers and Landcare has played a significant role in the future adoption of innovative agricultural practices.”
She said that by making a difference and helping to create healthy soils, vegetation and supporting biodiversity, Landcare was playing a part in growing a sustainable Australian agriculture industry.
Chief Executive of Landcare Australia, Shane Norrish said young people were more connected than ever with environmental issues, and Landcare was one of the only conservation not-for-profits where individuals, young and old, could get involved in protecting the environment in their local area.
“It only takes a small number of people to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, but their work captures and motivates others to be a part of that process,” Dr Norrish said.
