Mr Chester said Landcare groups across Gippsland play an important role in protecting, restoring and improving local landscapes.
“This week is an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of Landcare volunteers, coordinators, farmers, schools, community organisations and supporters right across Gippsland,” he said.
“Our local Landcare groups are practical environmentalists who get their hands dirty and make a real difference in their communities.
“They are planting trees, restoring native habitat, protecting waterways, fencing sensitive areas, controlling weeds and pest animals, and supporting healthier and more productive landscapes.”
Mr Chester said much of the work undertaken by Landcare groups is carried out by volunteers who generously give their time, knowledge and energy because they care about the future of their local communities.
“Landcare is one of the great grassroots movements in regional Australia,” Mr Chester said.
“It brings people together to care for the land, support sustainable farming, protect native species and improve the health of our rivers, forests and farmland.
“The work being done by Landcare volunteers today will benefit Gippsland for generations to come.”
Mr Chester said the efforts of local Landcare volunteers must be backed by practical government policies that support land management, fire prevention, pest control and environmental protection.
“Our volunteers are doing their part, but their efforts are being made harder by Labor governments that continue to cut funding and walk away from practical environmental management,” he said.
“The Victorian Labor Government has weakened the very agencies and services that support practical land and environmental management, cutting CFA funding, leaving Parks Victoria chronically underfunded with staff numbers at historic lows, gutting Victoria’s fisheries department, removing legal enforcement officers, cutting overall staffing by 50 per cent, and reducing support for frontline biosecurity, nature conservation and pest management.
“We have also seen cuts at the federal level under the Albanese Government, which only adds to the pressure on regional communities trying to manage weeds, pests, feral animals and environmental threats on the ground.
“At the same time, the Victorian Labor Government has repeatedly missed significant portions of its planned fuel reduction burn targets, increasing the risks faced by communities, farmers, wildlife and the volunteers who are working so hard to protect our local environment.
“Landcare volunteers should not be left to do all the heavy lifting while governments in Melbourne and Canberra make decisions that undermine practical land and environmental management.”
Mr Chester thanked everyone involved in Landcare across Gippsland for their ongoing commitment.
“Gippsland is a better place because of the hard work, passion and persistence of our Landcare volunteers and supporters,” Mr Chester said.
“Their efforts are making a lasting difference for our farms, forests, rivers, wildlife and future generations.”
