National network of Landcare coordinators to continue ...

The Rudd Government today announced the national network of local Landcare facilitators will continue, with a total of $33.6 million committed over four years.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the decision followed extensive discussions with local Landcare groups and strong representations from a number of MPs.

From next year, up to $8.4 million will be provided annually under Caring for our Country to fund up to 56 Landcare coordinator positions across Australia.

The coordinators will work closely with produces to help them continue work improving the sustainable management of their farm business. They will promote sustainable farming practices, to help secure the productivity of agriculture in the face of climate change.

The government will also provide immediate transitional funding, to allow current Landcare coordinators to continue in their existing positions until the end of the year.

The current coordinators are based in regional natural resource management groups such as Catchment Management Authorities.