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What is Landcare?
This How-to is intended for:
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Landcare began in Victoria in 1986 with a group of farmers near St Arnaud in central Victoria forming the first Landcare group. Since then, hundreds of groups have formed across Victoria1.
Landcarers actively and collectively care for the land. It makes sense to work together to tackle land degradation problems when there is usually more than one farm involved. Weed seeds blow across property boundaries and erosion gullies cut through fences. Landcare groups encourage neighbours to work together to overcome common problems.
Victoria has a long history of groups working together. Experience has shown that the group approach achieves better results than individuals working alone. Sharing of information with other group members leads to an improved understanding of both problems and solutions. Groups also have more access to a wider range of advice and financial support than is available to the individual.
Regular community Landcare conferences are held in regional areas to provide opportunities for groups and members to learn from each other. Community conferences have also contributed to developing a sense of identity for the Landcare movement.
Landcare groups have proved to be an effective means of integrating new farmers, including hobby farmers, into the local community. They have also provided a valuable social outlet where sporting clubs, schools and churches have closed as the population declined.
Real solutions to a land degradation problem need to be both profitable and sustainable. Farmers need to have profitable businesses if they are to adopt environmentally sound farming practices. Adequate income from the land is needed to ensure that production is maintained. For success Landcare must combine production and conservation objectives.
Improved productivity and amenity values are now apparent in many areas where groups have been working for some time. The public recognition of the success of Landcare encourages greater participation in groups and provides a boost in community pride and sense of achievement2.
1. DSE website www.dse.vic.gov.au
2. Edgar, R., Landcare Note LC0002 1999, Frankston on DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au
