Jack Gramenz |
After over 35 years of grassroots effort, the Landcare movement is gathering again. This time, experts and passionate volunteers are meeting on the beautiful Gold Coast to address Australia’s pressing environmental issues.
The 2025 Landcare Australia conference, hosted by Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, is a hub for knowledge sharing and connection among those who care for the land.
Doug Humann, chair of Landcare Australia, emphasizes the teamwork involved: “Farmers, producers, and landcarers work together as guardians of our land.” His words highlight the strong bond between agriculture and landcare, both vital for nurturing Australia’s natural resources.
This year’s conference will focus on several key themes, including:
- Climate adaptation
- Biodiversity and sustainability
- Nature restoration
- Innovative technology
- Indigenous-led conservation
Su McCluskey from the National Farmers’ Federation points out that farmers manage over half of Australia’s land, putting them at the forefront of reducing emissions and protecting biodiversity. “Both farmers and Landcare volunteers are firmly committed to environmental protection,” she says.
The keynote speaker, Fiona Simson from the World Farmers’ Organisation, will address the challenges climate change poses to agriculture. This is crucial information, especially as 2022 statistics showed that climate change was already impacting crop yields globally, making discussions like these all the more important.
Political figures, including Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and Environment Minister Murray Watt, will also participate, reflecting the importance of the event.
A highlight of the conference is the awards ceremony, honoring community groups and individuals working tirelessly to restore the environment. Among the finalists for the esteemed Bob Hawke Landcare Award are fourth-generation farmer Garry Kadwell and sustainability advocate Stuart McAlpine.
A First Nations gathering and a summit for future landcarers kicked things off, including a short film festival highlighting current environmental issues.
Since its inception in 1989, Landcare has supported over 6000 community-led groups and engaged more than 140,000 volunteers in ecological restoration projects. Their efforts remind us that caring for our environment is a shared responsibility.
The conference wraps up with AgXchange, bringing together farmers, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers to discuss sustainability’s role in the future of agriculture.
This event underscores the ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, a theme that resonates strongly within the community.
This report was brought to you with support from Landcare Australia and the National Farmers’ Federation.
