THE Victorian Government has announced $8.2 million to extend the roles of part-time Landcare facilitators and co-ordinators for the next two years.
Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt said on Monday these included 80 Victorian Landcare facilitators and 10 regional Landcare co-ordinators, until June 30, 2025.
“Based in regional Victoria, these extensions will ensure that facilitators and co-ordinators are able to continue delivering initiatives such as planting native vegetation, improving wildlife habitat, enhancing wetlands and waterways, and undertaking pest animal control,” Ms Stitt said.
“Across 2021-22, these roles supported the community in undertaking projects that planted more than 240,000 native plants and restored more than 45,000 hectares of land.
“Facilitators support 740 environmental volunteering groups and networks across Victoria, helping them plan on-ground activities to benefit biodiversity and the environment.
“They also have supported over 700 community events on an annual basis, attracting more than 32,000 participants.
“In addition to their support role, co-ordinators organise events to foster skill development and innovation within the volunteering sector.”
Ms Stitt said the funding would enable them to maintain the continuity of that work.
“Local volunteers know what needs to be done to get the best environmental outcomes for their communities,” she said.
“We are supporting facilitators to empower locals to act for their environment.”
