Western Victoria Landcare groups have been recognised for the significant contributions they have made to the local environment.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP congratulated the Woady Yaloak Catchment Group, Simon Faulkner (Surf Coast Rabbit Action Network) and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority members Angela Jeffery and Bret Ryan today on their awards following the 2017 Victorian Landcare Awards at Government House.
Ms Tierney said it was pleasing to see the community members recognised for their pivotal work towards the conservation and preservation of important land, vegetation, agriculture and waterways in Western Victoria.
The awards included:
- Indigenous Land Management Award – Angela Jeffery
- Sidney Plowman Award – Bret Ryan
- Australian Government Innovation in Agricultural Management – Simon Falkiner
- Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award – Woady Yaloak Catchment Group
The 2017 Victorian Landcare Awards feature nine national categories open for applicants from across all states and territories, alongside five Victorian-only categories. All state winners of the national categories will now proceed as finalists to the 2018 National Landcare Awards.
The Andrews Labor Government has invested $86.3 million over four years for the continued preservation of Victoria’s vital ecosystems, as well as an ongoing commitment of $20 million per year to deliver the Protecting Victoria’s Environment. This comes on the back of a $10 million commitment to the Victorian Landcare Program each year.
The Andrews Labor Government earlier this year also released its Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 plan, which delivers a comprehensive framework for protecting biodiversity across the state. It also aims to encourage more Victorians to value and protect nature and help them to connect with and enjoy the natural environment.
Quotes attributable to Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria
“Western Victoria is home to some special biodiversity and it’s wonderful to see so many locals being recognised for their work in vital conservation practices.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such an active network of landcare groups, schools and individuals working together with passion and a focus on land conservation and restoration. I warmly congratulate all the nominees and winners at the Landcare Awards this year.”