Landcare Week celebrates “everyday heroes”

As Landcare Week gets underway today, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has noted the incredible work of Landcare’s volunteers.

Minister Ludwig said that Landcare Week, which runs from today until Sunday, celebrates the quiet and often unrecognised achievements and stewardship that occur every day of the year across Australia.

“The efforts of Landcarers help secure the long term future of our environment and agricultural industries,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The work these volunteers do right across our diverse landscape is making improvements that will be seen for generations.

Minister Ludwig said the Government was committed to the organisation, which was a joint effort between the community, government and business.

“The Australian Government is investing more than $600 million over five years in sustainable agriculture projects through Caring for our Country,” he said.

“The government funds regional landcare facilitators across the country and has committed $1.7 billion to a land sector package as part of the government’s Clean Energy Future Plan.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Mike Kelly, said Landcare had a unique ability to attract volunteers from throughout the community, uniting people for a common purpose of improving their local environment.

“Landcare projects are underway right across Australia with volunteers across a wide age spectrum and from a wide variety of backgrounds,” Dr Kelly said.

“I congratulate each and every volunteer on their efforts and thank them for the time and energy they spend on ensuring a sustainable future.”

Media contact: Melissa Patch 0418 734 413 and Katana Smith 0459 813 574 (Minister Ludwig) or Elyse Gatt 0459 810 654 (Dr Kelly)