Tasmanian Landcare Association
NEWS
The Tasmanian Landcare Association (TLCA) has welcomed the announcement in the state budget that it will receive a contribution for core funding for the first time in two years.
President Matthew Pitt said the funding contribution of $70,000 annually over the next four years would help the TLCA strengthen and grow the community Landcare movement in Tasmania.
“I commend the State Government for recognising the importance of the Landcare movement, the valuable contribution that it makes to Tasmania and the role of the
TLCA.
“Considering that every dollar government invests in Landcare is estimated to return $4 to $6 due to the hard work of local volunteers - this is a clever investment in a tough economic climate” Mr Pitt said.
“The TLCA still requires additional funds as this only represents a third of our overall operating costs but the State Government has provided much needed relief as we were facing insolvency” Mr Pitt said.
Additionally, the State Government has committed $50,000 to the Landcare Assistance Program (LAP). The LAP directly supports care groups across Tasmania (including Landcare, Coastcare, Bushcare, Wildcare and ‘Friends of’ groups) with their administration and insurances expenses by providing small grants of up to $400.
The core funding contribution will also enable the TLCA to attract other funding for on-ground projects.
“The TLCA has additionally attracted and rolled out more than $620,000 over the last two years for significant Landcare projects that enable care groups and individual landowners to control weeds, improve soil condition, water quality and native habitat” Mr Pitt said.
“Ultimately this benefits all Tasmanians” he said.
Mr Pitt said it was vital for the TLCA to secure State Government funding to continue their work representing community Landcare, supporting projects and attracting investment for the Landcare movement in Tasmania.
TLCA will continue to work with all levels of government, the private sector and donors to ensure its longer term future.
To view the Budget Announcement from the State Government click here.
Check out the Autumn TLCA newsletter at www.taslandcare.org.au/tlca.html
2011 Tasmanian State Landcare Awards – Nominations are now open. So honour your local landcare heroes and celebrate the terrific on-ground achievements in your community. There are 12 categories:
- Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
- Australian Government Natural Resource Management (NRM) Award
- Australian Government Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award
- Australian Government Local Landcare Facilitator/Coordinator Award
- Coastcare Award
- Rural Press Primary Producer Award
- Toshiba Community Group Award
- Westpac Education Award
- Urban Landcare Award
- Leighton Holdings Indigenous Award
- Be Natural Young Landcare Leader Award
- Local Government Landcare Partnership Award
Guidelines, criteria and application forms are online at www.landcareonline.com.au or contact the Tasmanian Landcare Association office on 6234 7117 or awards@taslandcare.org.au for more information. Applications close on 4 July, 2011.
Then there’s the Awards Ceremony - Sun 9 October at the Stanley Town Hall, delivered by the Tasmanian Landcare Association. Tickets out soon.
2011 Tasmanian State Landcare Conference – Hear from a range of Tasmanian and interstate landcarers about Landcare projects, local produce and community support. Register your group’s interest in the poster display by Monday 1 August 2011.
Theme: ‘From the Ground Up’
When: Mon 10 October, 2011
Where: Stanley
Program out soon.
Consultation Draft of the Southern Tasmanian Weed Strategy 2011- 2016 has recently been released for public comment:
http://www.nrmsouth.org.au/the_southern_region/view_the_southern_tasmanian_regional_strategy_15130005/
Draft Chemical Use Regulations available for public comment. Submissions close 20th July.
For more details, see: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/CYAA-8H28FH?open
Climate Watch - help with climate change research in Tasmania by monitoring native pines:
http://www.climatewatch.org.au/news/2011/05/start-monitoring-pines-tasmania
Tasmanian Coastal Works Manual
This manual highlights the latest practices in sustainable management for Tasmania's coastline and is a comprehensive tool.
To obtain a copy contact Kathy Noble on 6336-2350 or email: Kathy.noble@environment.tas.gov.au
Cost for the manual is: $130.00 + $9.00 postage within Tasmania and $18.00 postage outside Tasmania, or see it on-line at: http://www.environment.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=9877
Managing Browsing Wildlife Toolkit - new from DPIPWE
Available online at: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LBUN-8GJ68R?open
or for further enquiries phone: 03 6336 5342
Group action planning workshops – delivered free of charge by the TLCA staff. Register your interest today. Contact Margie Jenkin, Executive Officer, TLCA on 6234 7117 or e-mail executive.officer@taslandcare.org.au
Keep in touch with Landcare Australia Ltd – sign up for the monthly Landlink e-bulletin. E-mail enquiries@landcareaustralia.com.au and register your group on the National Landcare Directory at www.landcareonline.com.au
TLCA membership - Is your group membership current? …And now individuals who support community Landcare can also become TLCA members too. Membership forms are also downloadable at www.taslandcare.org.au/members.html
If you have any news or stories for the TLCA Spring newsletter - please contact Vicki, email: vickidcampbell@yahoo.com.au
GRANTS
NRM North Community Grants - Flood Round
Grants of up to $5,000 to help groups rehabilitate and repair previously funded projects which have been impacted by the recent flooding within the NRM North region.
Closes 30th June
http://nrmnorth.org.au/document-manager/cat_view/79-publications/123-grant-forms-and-applications
Coming soon - Caring for our Country Community Action Grants
Amounts of $5,000 - $20,000
Keep an eye on www.nrm.gov.au
(or check the next e-bulletin)
2011 Landcare Assistance Program (LAP) funding – The 2011 LAP funds are now available. If your group pays for its own insurance you can apply for $400. If you don’t pay for your own insurance you can apply for $250. Groups must be a TLCA member, and have acquitted previous LAP funding. Application forms online at http://www.taslandcare.org.au/grants.html Applications close 30 June 2011 – or when funding runs out!
Coles Junior Landcare School Garden Grant - up to $1,000 is available to schools and youth groups to help create gardens in their grounds or community, such as bush tucker gardens, water wise gardens or veggie gardens. Next round closes 5th August. For more information see http://www.juniorlandcare.com.au/grants-2/coles-grant
Farm Ready Reimbursement Grants - If you are a primary producer or indigenous land manager you can get reimbursed for approved training courses (completed prior to 30 May 2012) that improve capacity to adapt to climate change and increase self reliance and preparedness. See www.farmready.gov.au for information and application forms.
Writing a Grant – Get some tips in the ‘Fundamentals of Grant Writing Workshop’ presentation http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/129024/Grant_Writing_Presentation_-_CCB_2010-11_-_TEYF,_RDA,_CDD.pdf
National Environmental Grants Guide – the new annual directory for 2011 is now available including environmental grant and funding opportunities from the Australian Government, corporate giving programs as well as the major Australian philanthropic funds and trusts.
See www.yarramine.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=296&Itemid=1
EVENTS
Soil Health Field Day
June 22nd
TIAR Vegetable Research Centre, Forthside
This field day will examine various aspects of soil health, and explore some of the latest developments.
Registration is required.
For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Cradle Coast Authority Receptionist, Kylie Bowers
Tel: 6431 6285 or email kbowers@cradlecoast.com
Tasmanian Soil Science (current activities in Tasmanian soil science)
Thursday 30th June 2011, 10.00am – 3.30pm
University of Tasmania, Newnham Campus, Launceston - A Block, Lecture Theatre 1.
RSVP by 17th June 2011 to Leigh.Sparrow@utas.edu.au
Cost: ASSSI members - $30, Non members - $60
Bridal Creeper Workshop
Friday 8th July, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Churchill Park Function Centre, Invermay
for more information - email: amanda.bruce@launceston.tas.gov.au
National Farm Safe Week - 18th - 24th July
Schools Tree Day - 29th July
National Tree Day - 31st July
Irrigation Australia Regional Conference and Exhibition
"Irrigation 2011 - New Horizons, Fresh Ideas"
Launceston, 22nd - 25th August
For more information, check the website: http://online.saneevent.com.au/ial2011/
Junior Coastcare Group (Tamar region)
If you have ever thought of forming a Junior Coastcare Group, then contact Tamar NRM on 6323-3310.
FOR SALE
Herbicide dabbers - special price for TLCA members
$2.00 each (complete)
Also available - a limited number of spare lids and sponges.
Contact Vicki: vickidcampbell@yahoo.com.au - or phone 6331 2180
Tasmanian Landcaring Grants and Field Day
Under a beautiful bright blue sky and with a happy group of supporters, the Tasmanian Landcaring Grants were officially launched by Tasmanian Landcare Association.
The Tasmanian Landcaring Grants program is a new funding opportunity offered by the Tasmanian Landcare Association (TLCA) and Wildcare Inc through the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country initiative. Up to $20,000 will be available for landcaring projects that deliver on national targets and provide benefits to local communities and the environment.
Frogmore Creek Vineyard was the perfect place to host the launch. Tony Scherer, owner of the Frogmore Creek Vineyard was more than happy to host the launch, despite the hive of activity by pickers, as this year’s vintage is harvested. Tony and the vineyard manager Jennifer Doyle have been very active in developing a sustainable approach to the operation and are close to realising the vision of organically based management that avoids the use of artificial chemicals for managing pests and diseases.
President of the Tasmanian Landcare Association, Lyndley Chopping, felt it was very appropriate to promote and foster the great work that Tony and Jennifer are doing as it so clearly demonstrates the landcare approach to managing our natural environment whilst being a successful rural producer. Thanks to Frogmore Creek Vineyard for hosting us!
Images courtesy of Leah Page
School children from Richmond and Risdon Vale Primary Schools also participated in the launch. Margie Jenkin, Executive Officer Tasmanian Landcare Association, said ‘how fantastic it was to see such enthusiasm in the local community particularly the young students’. Students of Richmond primary have built up quite a connection with the Frogmore Creek Vineyard and its environment by conducting water quality and frog monitoring activities.
Alan Barton, Project Manager for the grants, said ‘these grants provide a great opportunity for TLCA to support local care groups and landcare individuals in undertaking their valuable on ground activities. Click here for more information about the grants.
NEWSLETTER
NEWS
During 2011, the TLCA will be assisting care groups in their action planning. These are opportunities to clarify the direction of your group - what you want to do and how you can make it happen. Perhaps your group would like to update an existing plan. Get in touch with the TLCA today to register your interest in an action planning session. Contact Margie Jenkin, Executive Officer, TLCA on 6234 7117 or e-mail executive.officer@taslandcare.org.au
Grants Update
2010 Landcare Assistance Program (LAP) Grants are now available. If your group pays for its own insurance you can apply for $400. If you don’t pay for your own insurance you can apply for $250. Groups must be a TLCA member, and have acquitted previous lap funding. Applications close when the money runs out. Click here for application form.
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