Huon Valley Council

Project Profile

Issues

Huon Valley Council has a long history of supporting Landcare, Bushcare, Rivercare and Coastcare groups in the Huon Valley providing financial assistance, tools, administration and technical support through its NRM unit.  Over the past ten years, in response to pressure from development in the area, Huon Valley Council has adopted sustainable land management practices, fostered communication between stakeholders and provided ongoing support and knowledge to the community.

Project Detail

While many local councils are working towards more sustainable communities, the Huon Valley Council has been selected for a National Landcare Award for its commitment to many local Care groups.

The Council has a long history of supporting Landcare, Bushcare, Rivercare and Coastcare groups in the Huon Valley providing financial assistance, tools, administration and technical support through its Natural Resource Management (NRM) unit. In response to pressure from development in the area, over the past ten years Council has adopted sustainable land management practices, fostered communication between stakeholders and provided ongoing support and knowledge to the community.

The presence of the NRM unit within Council ensures that each of the Care groups can seek strategic and on the ground advice and can be confident that their work is going to address high priority issues in the Huon Valley.

The growth of the Care group network has allowed Council to partner with the community and other relevant stakeholders in developing projects. In 2009 alone, 10,000 trees have been planted by Care groups and Council, several hectares of priority weeds have been removed, five kilometres of fences have been erected and 600 metres of track has been constructed.

The Council’s NRM Committee has enabled better communication between all groups who have an interest in protecting the natural resources of the Huon Valley. In addition, the creation of the Draft Huon Valley NRM Strategy, the 2007 Huon Valley Weed Management Strategy and the 2009 Huon Valley Council NRM Unit Strategy have assisted in guiding the community and Council in the management of the Valley’s natural resource. They have also attracted funding for on-ground works and have enabled a greater level of cooperation and communication between all stakeholders.

Council staff coordinate regular formal and informal events for all members of Care groups in the Huon Valley. Events include relevant guest speakers and allow volunteers to catch up and liaise with Council NRM staff. Council also coordinates activities for Coastcare Week, Weed Buster Week and Landcare Week, providing volunteers with an opportunity to showcase their work to the community.

Huon Valley Council promotes the activities of local Care groups through daily emails to the Care group network covering all relevant activities and events. These are also promoted through the Council’s website and community service newsletter.

The Huon Valley Council project is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010.  Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Huon Valley Council