Landcare Victoria has responded to this week's State Budget with cautious optimism, welcoming the $17.3 million allocated over two years for Landcare and Coastcare programs.
While this commitment maintains current funding levels, the organisation emphasises that without increased investment, the long-term sustainability of Victoria's community-led environmental movement remains uncertain.
Landcare Victoria acknowledges the continued support for the Victorian Landcare and Coastcare volunteer programs in the Budget, which includes a further two-year extension for the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program.
However, the organisation is disappointed that its call for long-term, secure funding has not been met.
"Landcare is delivering on its commitments and doing extraordinary work across the state, but government support is falling short of what's needed to ensure stability and growth," said Landcare Victoria CEO, Claire Hetzel.
Landcare has been uniting communities to achieve meaningful and sustainable land and environmental management outcomes since it was established in Victoria nearly four decades ago. At the heart of its success are the passionate volunteers and dedicated Landcare facilitators who provide critical on-the-ground coordination, advice and support.
"While this Budget hasn't provided the long-term funding Landcare needs, we will continue to advocate for a funding model that reflects the value and impact of Landcare across Victoria," Ms Hetzel said.
The current $4.5 million State Government investment in the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program yielded a $31.5 million economic return on public investment in 2023.
Landcare Victoria, as the peak body for community land care in the state, plays a critical role in enabling and advocating for volunteers.
Landcare Victoria Chair Jane Carney said that over the past four years, the organisation has strengthened its leadership capacity to better support the Landcare community.
"Our newly released Strategic Plan 2025-2027 outlines an ambitious vision: to double participation in community land care, enabled by deepening partnerships, strengthening support for Landcare groups and championing the value of community-led action," Mrs Carney said.
"This outcome cannot be achieved without the support from the State Government, as well as Landcare volunteers, facilitators and coordinators."
Landcare Victoria remains committed to working in partnership with government and community to support sustainable land and environmental management across the state. The organisation thanks the many Landcare volunteers, supporters and Members of Parliament who have championed the importance of ongoing support for land care in Victoria.
