Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Condamine forms community Landcare networks
Condamine Alliance in Queensland's Darling Downs area works in partnership with a network of seven sub-catchment 'umbrella' Landcare Groups to help manage the region's natural resources sustainably.
Pointing to the advantages of using the Landcare Groups to do this work, Alliance Landcare Partnerships officer Andrew McCartney said that being community-based, the Groups were in touch with other community and industry networks.
"These Groups have good levels of participation across their local sub-catchment areas," he said. "We negotiate with them about natural resource management priorities and needs in their areas." The Landcare Groups helped undertake the projects on the ground.
Funding
The Condamine Alliance has received funding from the Australian and State Governments to create a coordinator position with each of the Landcare Groups. These positions enable the Groups to liaise with the community and to encourage involvement in projects.
Activities
A number of the Alliance's Landcare Coordinators are currently involving communities in dealing with the issues arising from migration from rural to urban areas.
Andrew said this phenomenon is particularly prevalent in many Queensland regional centres which were experiencing high population growth.
"In one project local Landcare Coordinators are working in conjunction with three local councils to raise awareness of natural resource management issues," he said. "In some cases, rural fringe development can put a lot of stress on existing infrastructure and involve high risks for catchment areas.
"This type of development results in a change of land use from broad-acre farming to significant numbers of animals and people in areas that haven't traditionally housed a concentrated population."
Andrew said that as result of supporting the Landcare Coordinator positions, the Condamine Alliance had improved the results of its incentives for sustainable development and its practical work on the ground.
"Landcare Groups link people with the networks they need and streamline processes," Andrew said.
"Because they are local, people will discuss their needs with them and therefore help in identifying priority issues.
"The Groups can then organise workshops to raise awareness and follow up with incentive programs to help landholders implement their projects."
More information
- Andrew McCartney, Condamine Alliance Landcare Partnerships Officer: (07) 4620 0133
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window