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Corangamite Landcare Support Plan - Download (4 KB)
The Corangamite Landcare Support Plan 2013-2018 provides a framework for the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to support Landcare (including community based natural resource management groups) in managing the region’s natural resources.
The Corangamite Landcare Support Plan 2013-2018 provides a framework for the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to support Landcare (including community based natural resource management groups) in managing the region’s natural resources.
Landcare in Corangamite is robust. There are more than 150 groups comprising approximately 4000 members, supported by 10 Landcare networks. Two new networks, the Central Otway Landcare Network and the Stony Rises Landcare Network are in the planning phase and expected to be established during 2013. This will mean Landcare networks in Corangamite will cover nearly the entire region.
The Corangamite CMA recognises the fundamental role Landcare has in natural resource management (NRM). More than two-thirds of the catchment is private land managed by rural landholders.
Many of these individual landholders make substantial investments in NRM on their land through programs such as Landcare. Community groups also contribute significantly to conservation outcomes on both public and private land. A key strength of Landcare is its knowledge of local priorities and close connections to communities and the environment.
The great diversity of groups, and accompanying broad skill set, is also an attribute. Corangamite CMA sought input from Landcare in developing this plan and this identified common challenges and issues. This includeda sense of disconnection between government and community; challenges accessing funding; dwindling membership and enthusiasm; challenges engaging demographics such absentee landholders, ‘lifestylers’ and young people; and the administrative requirements placed on groups.
The Corangamite CMA is well positioned to support Landcare in addressing many of these issues. At the same time, the CMA acknowledges the root of Landcare lies in responding to local needs and priorities, and groups and networks will require autonomy to continue to set their own direction. This plan aims to support Landcare during the next five years to achieve the following four outcomes:
- Partnerships: Partnerships between government and Landcare are integrated and coordinated
- Investment: Investment in, and by, Landcare is enhanced
- Membership: Landcare attracts and retains a diversity of members
- Skills & knowledge: Landcare groups and networks are skilled and have access to relevant NRM knowledge and training.
Specific actions have been identified under each of these outcome areas (refer to Section 5). These actions will help the CMA support Landcare in developing and maintaining their role as key stakeholders in regional NRM delivery. Without the participation, investment and knowledge of Landcare, we will not realise the goal to increase the “protection, enhancement and restoration, and sustainable production, of the Corangamite region’s natural resources”.