landlink-sept-2011

Posted 23/9/11

Landcare Australia: Landlink - News For The Landcare Network

Landlink | SEPTEMBER 2011 ISSUE

Landcare Week Launches today!

A survey conducted to coincide with Landcare Week 2011, which runs from September 5th-11th, shows a movement of dedicated people who are concerned for the future of the our natural resources and need all of us to assist them to continue with their valuable work.

The survey, conducted by Landcare Australia to investigate the main issues facing the Landcare movement, and the needs of its volunteers, found that 98% of the 653 volunteers surveyed admitted to being concerned for the future of Australia’s natural resources. 83% also believe that the main aim of their groups’ activities is to protect the local environment for future generations.

+ Click here for more information

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. + Click here for more information

The Latest News from Landcare Australia

Registrations for the Yates Junior Landcare Challenge closing soon!

Registrations for free seeds close on September 25th, so visit our website today to ensure you, your family, school or youth group don't miss out! Simply go to: juniorlandcarechallenge.com.au + Find out more

Carbon farming brings fields of opportunity for regional Australia

The Gillard Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative has passed through the Parliament to establish a regulated carbon offsets market in Australia. The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, welcomed the legislation which fulfils the Government’s commitment to give farmers, forest growers and other landholders access to international and domestic carbon markets. + Find out more

WA Landcare Awards Winners

Thirteen of the state’s most impressive environmental achievements have been recognised at the 2011 Western Australian Landcare Awards, with Dongara’s Craig Forsyth one of the standouts of the day.

The biennial awards ceremony, held yesterday at the Perth Convention Centre, in conjunction with the State Natural Resource Management Conference, celebrated individual and community volunteer projects that have made significant contributions to the environment in local communities around Western Australia. + Find out more

Junior Landcare Garden Grants now available

Coles and Yates are working together with Junior Landcare to educate children about sustainability and the environment. As part of this program there are $10 000 worth of garden grants available to schools and youth groups. These grants will encourage children to get their hands dirty and learn more about nature.

Collect and retain the receipts for 50 Yates products purchased from Coles during the promotional period and enter your school/youth group online and tell us in 100 words or less how you would spend the grant on your school garden. Click here to enter now. + Find out more

Peel Community Grants Expo

Do you want to learn more about state and federal government, corporate and philanthropic funding available to your organisation.

Then register to come along to the Peel Community Grants Expo 2011 on Thursday, 27th October from 9.30am – 12.30pm Peel Thunder Function Centre, Bendigo Bank Stadium Mandurah.

Registration essential, as numbers are limited.
Email to: community@rdapeel.org.au + Find out more

Landcare Volunteer of the Day!

We will be sharing some wonderful work that Landcare volunteers have been involved with over the last year, so visit our website www.landcareonline.com.au to see the "Landcare Volunteer of the Day" until September 11th. + Find out more

Recommended Readings and Links

Farming Ahead 2011 Land, Water, Carbon conference

Clean Beaches - Connecting Our Coast Environmental Awards

Funding Available

MOBILE MUSTER - The funding provided through ‘Old phones, more trees’ will enable 25 Landcare, Bushcare and Coastcare groups to maintain and protect our coastline through dune restoration, revegetation, weed management and the protection of vital coastal habitats. ‘Old phones, more trees’ runs from 5 June until 30 September 2011. MobileMuster will donate 25 grants of up to $2,000 each to Landcare Australia and Coastcare groups. [Click here to apply]

REGIONAL GROWTH FUND INITIATIVE - The Regional Growth Fund will support major strategic infrastructure and community-led local initiatives that improve both the competitiveness and livability of regional and rural Victoria, creating more jobs and better career opportunities.Visit http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/ for more information.

BE NATURAL GRANTS - Landcare Australia and Be Natural are pleased to launch a $125,000 grants program that will provide funding to voluntary environmental community groups across Australia. Applications for the Be Natural Landcare grants will close on October 10th. [Click here to apply]

THE SURF COAST SHIRE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM – GORCC’s annual Coastal Grants Program is affiliated with this Surf Coast Shire Community Grants program – Each year they provide $10,000 in grant funds towards approved environmental and community activities in coastal areas under our management. Eligible individuals, community groups and organisations are invited to apply for a Coastal Grant during two funding rounds held in February/March and August/September. To find out more or discuss your project please e-mail janstee@surfcoast.vic.gov.au [Click here to visit the Surfcoast Shire website] Carbon Farming Week 27-29 September [Click here]

Events and Dates

For groups who would like to learn more about alternative methods of weed management, there is a host of information available relating to weed management in Australia, including this article [click here] about the biological control of weeds by CSIRO. The National Weeds Management facilitator is also a good first point of contact with relation to weed management issues. [Click here]

September 5-11 Landcare Week

Click your state below for more Landcare Week events

Landcare Week Events:

Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory
South Australia
Victoria
New South Wales
Queensland
Tasmania
Western Australia