Following a reduction in support to Landcare as a result of changes in Australian Government funding priorities, the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is seeking to support Landcare into the future by aiding in the formation of Landcare networks across the North Central CMA region.

In facilitating community discussions regarding Landcare networks, the North Central CMA has partnered with local community members to host two Landcare community forums: the first being in Clunes on 3 August from 5 pm-8 pm (including dinner) at the Clunes Town Hall followed by a second forum in Kerang on 4 August from 5 pm – 9 pm (including dinner) at the Kerang Council Cambers, Victoria Street, Kerang. 

Members from Landcare and NRM groups from local government areas are encouraged to attend to discuss issues such as: Landcare networks – the basics; the role that you see for Landcare in the future; and next steps for local Landcare group cooperation.

Mr Ross Colliver, Director of The Training and Development Group, will be facilitating the forums, and has extensive knowledge in the area of network formation and operation. Mr. Colliver has also been contracted to conduct the Network Readiness Project for the Department of Sustainability and Environment in north central Victoria.

North Central CMA, Chief Executive Officer Damian Wells acknowledges the changes that Landcare has undergone and encourages Landcare members to attend the forum which Mr Colliver is facilitating.  “The forum builds on recent Landcare workshops that we held across the North Central CMA region in recent months. One of the suggestions we received was to encourage the formation and strengthening of Landcare networks, which enable the pooling of skills and resources to enhance the future resilience of Landcare.

“Mr Colliver has worked in natural resource management, town planning and rural communities for 20 years. For the last three years, he has run an action research process with Landcare networks in Victoria, funded by the State Landcare program, exploring the role of Landcare networks in the natural resource management system, and helping networks develop their capacity to contribute to landscape scale change.”

The North Central CMA will continue to employ the Victorian Government funded Regional Landcare Coordinator and manage the region’s Second Generation Landcare Grants Program.

Bookings are essential; please RSVP to the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 by 3 August. 

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au