GREENS MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson has urged Labor and the Coalition to join the Greens in a tripartisan approach to the proposed NSW Landcare Program 2023-2027 and to deliver a $59 million funding commitment over the next four years.

The program is a collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.

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Larry Langman is the secretary of Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare and the North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NCRLN), and the regional representative for the North Coast on the Landcare NSW State Advisory Council.

“The call by the Greens is a timely call to action to support the proposed NSW Landcare Program 2023-2027,” Larry, told News Of The Area.

Since the last tranche of State Government funding, many of the 60,000 Landcarers across the state have been impacted by natural disasters, with Coffs Coast locals experiencing drought, fire and floods and a devastating hail storm at Boambee Headland in October 2021.

Under Landcare’s new four-year Program, increased Landcare Coordinator support would ensure it can continue to build capacity in rural and regional communities and expand the regional Aboriginal coordinator positions across the state to consciously develop and strengthen connections between Landcare groups and Aboriginal communities.

“Landcare in Coffs Harbour and the North Coast welcomes and endorses the calls by MLC Sue Higginson, NSW Greens’ Spokesperson on the Environment for support of the NSW Landcare Program 2023-2027, and particularly their call to action to other parties,” said Larry.

“The current NSW Landcare Program 2019-2023 sees the North Coast region receive financial support for a Regional Landcare Coordinator and eleven Local (district) Landcare Coordinators to support all Landcare groups.

“This has allowed Landcare to deliver on-ground outcomes, provide professional development to its staff, and facilitated the sharing of knowledge and the promotion of Aboriginal engagement for the North Coast region.

“Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare is one of those district organisations.”

There are 42 Landcare groups across the Coffs Harbour LGA and 325 groups across the region, some with significant volunteer numbers and decades of community service.

“As the Greens announcement correctly notes, Landcare has been able to leverage the current program investment by approximately $4 for every $1 invested.

“But far beyond the economic return, is the actual on-ground work that has been achieved.

“Bushfire recovery, flood recovery, habitat protection, protection of our coastal zones, waterways and headlands.

“Local Landcare has supported not just the environment but the people who live in our community, from those who want to volunteer to those who simply want to enjoy the amenity of our iconic landscape,” said Larry.

“Landcare has and hopefully will always be part of the fabric of our community.”

By Andrea FERRARI