Government Partners

Although the real power of the Landcare movement lies within the community, its success is not without immense support from local, state and federal governments.

Besides managing its own land estate responsibly (which includes some national parks, other conservation reserves and defence land), the Australian Government provides national leadership and coordination in:

• developing long-term strategies to address resource issues at all levels
• providing funding programs and social support networks to achieve goals
• leading and funding research and development
• increasing public awareness, education and information exchange
• identifying gaps in knowledge

The Australian Government has delineated 56 catchment regions covering all Australia, and fosters community based regional natural resource management bodies in each to prepare and implement integrated resource management plans and regularly define and review priorities. Many Landcare members serve on these regional bodies.

Currently federal and state governments determine their investment to achieve defined outcomes in each area and gauge program delivery through detailed single regional plans developed by the local community and based on the best available knowledge. Landcare and other community groups are essential to this model, providing communication links, experience, opinion, planning support and cost-effective programs for on-ground works.

These plans take a ‘whole-of-region’ approach to resource management, incorporating environmental, social and economic elements. Agreements between government and community define goals and contributions from all parties, identify and schedule targets and delineate appropriate investment strategies. Consultation, feedback and negotiation are crucial between regional bodies and key stakeholders, including Indigenous people, academics and scientists, environmental groups, industry, local government and state/territory, national agencies and the community.

Landcare Australia Limited is funded to provide key services such as the National Landcare Directory, Landcare publications, Landcare Awards and Landcare Week activities and promotion.

Caring for our Country (CfoC) The Australian Government through the Caring for our Country program is a key supporter of both the Landcare and Coastcare movements. Landcare Australia Limited is funded to provide key services to these movements such as the National Landcare Directory, Landcare ...

Coastcare Victoria (DSE) Coastcare Victoria proudly supports thousands of community volunteer groups working to protect and enhance Victoria's 2000 kilometres of coastline. Community volunteer groups help to maintain our marine and coastal environment, through activities such as revegetating coastal areas, building boardwalks, fencing, building ...

Department of Agriculture & Food Western Australia (DAFWA) DAFWA are a strong supporter of Landcare providing crucial infrastructure requirements for the West Australian Landcare office, promotion of Landcare and its important role in achieving environmental sustainability. DAFWA are the major sponsor of the State Landcare Awards in Western Australia. Click ...

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) The Australian Governments Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) provides administrative funding for a number of initiatives for Landcare. Landcare Australia Limited is funded to provide key services to the Landcare movement such as the National Landcare Directory, Landcare ...

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Landcare Australia’s Victorian operations are supported by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). This support has contributed to Landcare Australia’s success in delivering dollars in corporate and community support for a diverse range of landcare projects across the state. Landcare ...

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) Landcare Australia is funded by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities through the Caring for our Country initiative to engage community organisations in coastal rehabilitation, restoration and conservation projects through the promotion of Coastcare Week. Click here to ...