Caretakers of the land dig into ecosystem challenges
Jack Gramenz |
More than 35 years after a grassroots environmental repair movement went national, experts and volunteers from around Australia are gathering in an attempt to solve the problems facing the nation’s ecosystem.
The 2025 Landcare Australia conference is being held on the Gold Coast, with Gardening Australia presenter Costa Georgiadis hosting the three-day event.
The biennial conference is billed as the nation’s largest knowledge-sharing and networking event for landcarers, highlighting the important connection between landcare and agriculture.
“Farmers, producers, graziers, and landcarers stand shoulder to shoulder as caretakers of Australia’s land, water and biodiversity,” Landcare Australia chair Doug Humann said.
“We are proud to stand alongside the National Farmers’ Federation to honour their efforts, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to every landholder, farmer and landcarer across the country.”
Topics of focus include climate adaptation, biodiversity and sustainability, nature repair, technology and innovation and Indigenous-led conservation methods.
The conference was an opportunity for farmers and landcarers to address environmental challenges and opportunities, National Farmers’ Federation chief executive Su McCluskey said.
“Farmers care for more than half of Australia’s landmass, placing them at the forefront of emissions reduction, biodiversity protection, and long-term land stewardship.
“Australia’s farmers and Landcare’s volunteers are both fiercely committed to protecting the environment,” she said.
World Farmers’ Organisation vice-president Fiona Simson will deliver a keynote presentation on Monday morning.
The first woman president of the National Farmers Federation is expected to discuss the agricultural and environmental conservation sectors, with a focus on sustainable and productive land management and the challenges posed by climate change.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and Environment Minister Murray Watt are also scheduled to appear at the conference.
Community groups and individuals will be recognised for their efforts repairing the natural environment at an awards ceremony on Tuesday.
Fourth-generation farmer Garry Kadwell, sustainable farming pioneer Stuart McAlpine and the Holbrook Landcare Network have been announced as finalists for the flagship Bob Hawke Landcare Award.
The honour is named for the former prime minister in recognition of his role in transforming the grassroots landcare initiative into a national movement.
A First Nations gathering and a summit for next-generation landcarers was held on Sunday along with a short film festival.
Landcare provides grant funding and education resources to community groups, farmers and landholders as well as managing complex ecological restoration projects since its foundation in 1989.
It includes more than 6000 community-led environmental groups and over 140,000 volunteers working to restore and protect the environment.
The organisation’s national conference will be followed by the National Farmers’ Federation’s AgXchange, with farmers and agribusiness figures gathering with policymakers and experts to discuss sustainability and the future of agriculture.
This AAP article was made possible by support from Landcare Australia and the National Farmers’ Federation.
AAP
