SJ Community Landcare Centre Landcare SJ Inc have been delivering environmental outcomes in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for over 25 years. A not-for-profit organisation that coordinates landcare, bushcare and catchment care, Landcare SJ achieves reversals in land degradation, promotion of best practice land management, conservation and restoration of habitat for native flora and fauna; as well as improved water quality in river systems, drains and wetlands. A stalwart in the local community, Landcare SJ provides opportunities, resources and support for landholders and community members to improve their skills and knowledge in the management of natural resources.
As is the case with many not-for-profit environmental organisations, Landcare SJ, while enjoying support from the Shire of SJ was constantly faced with the issue of juggling the delivering of on-ground activities and projects through grant funding, whilst searching for support to cover wages and operating costs.
In May 2017 the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale announced that it was increasing its financial support to Landcare SJ to $200,000 a year for the next three years. The Shire President Cr John Erren said that “Council acknowledges Landcare SJ is a vital organisation for the wellbeing of our environment, and that this funding is a big step in the right direction towards safeguarding our unique environment for the generations to come.”
Chair of the Landcare SJ Board, Prof. David Lindsay, and Board member Jan Star signing a new three year agreement on landcare service delivery in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.
The Agreement will deliver around $750,000 of cash and in kind support to Landcare SJ over three years. With wages security achieved with the new deal, Landcare SJ be able to leverage two to three times this amount through grant funding and volunteer contributions.
Prof. David Lindsay Chairman of the Landcare SJ Inc Board says “This core funding will allow our staff the opportunity to plan and seek support for projects, which could be difficult in the past in a hand-to-mouth economy. This backing from the Shire illustrates its confidence that we play a major part in helping to fulfil its obligations to maintain environmental integrity within its boundaries.”
The winner is the community through enhanced and protected biodiversity values.