AS Landcare celebrates 40 years across the Goulburn Broken catchment, communities are reflecting on a proud legacy of partnership, innovation and enduring environmental achievements. Goulburn Broken CMA Regional Landcare Coordinator, Karen Brisbane-Bullock, said what began as a grassroots initiative had grown over four decades into a strong community-led movement, helping to restore landscapes, protect biodiversity, improve waterway health and strengthen sustainable farming practices. “Landcare’s enduring local achievement is the network of skilled and connected communities working together to improve environmental health and the resilience of our regional areas,” Mrs Brisbane-Bullock said. “Volunteers are at the heart of Landcare. The Goulburn Broken catchment is now home to almost 70 Landcare groups, and many more environment groups, whose members continue to contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year to projects that improve biodiversity, river health and sustainable agriculture. “It’s a testament to the resilience of the Landcare community, that in the same year we are celebrating 40 years, so many of our Landcare groups were impacted by the January bushfires and many in our communities continue to face significant challenges both recently and over the decades.” In 1986, the first local Landcare groups were formed. Whiteheads Creek and Warrenbayne-Boho were launched on the same day by Landcare founder, Joan Kirner. Salinity and Watertable Watch were early community Landcare initiatives. At their peak, 68 community groups and volunteers monitored around 1400 watertable test wells, improving understanding of groundwater and salinity across the region. Tree planting for salinity and shelter belts was also undertaken. Also in the early years, rabbit control was supported by many Landcare and natural resources groups through initiatives such as 'Rabbit Busters', involving thousands of landholders and partner organisations. Today, Landcare builds upon these foundations, adapting and bringing people together in response to emerging natural resource challenges, to meet the needs of their communities and environment. Last week, more than 70 community members, past and present Landcare volunteers, project partners and supporters attended a celebration at Euroa to recognise the positive impact Landcare has had across the region during the past four decades. Members of the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network and Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher were in attendance.
