One of Australia's most successful grassroots movements - Landcare

Radio National, Canberra
Bush Telegraph: 18 Mar 2010 11:45AM

Compere: Michael Mackenzie

Mackenzie talks about one of Australia's most successful grassroots movements, Landcare. He says a national Landcare forum in Adelaide next week is going to look at how the movement can be revived. He speaks to Alice Knight, a farmer who has won awards for her dedication to Landcare and Julian Prior, lecturer, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England.

Knight talks about her involvement in the Woady Yaloak Catchment Group and the McKell Medal she and her brother won for conservation on their farm. She mentions financial support from Landcare and the Govt. She believes that it has been forgotten that people are the biggest asset society can have. Prior says they are seeing local evidence that Landcare is struggling in some areas, and believes this is due to a lack of clear policy from the Govt. He notes there are a lot of unfunded activities by Landcare. Knight says Landcare is struggling to keep interest, and she notes they are ineligible for almost all funding. Prior notes that the Caring For Our Country business plan made funding exclusive which he believes is a step backwards.

Interviewees:
Alice Knight, farmer
Julian Prior, lecturer, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England