The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to action over activism, announcing ongoing funding for Landcare NT.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the Government had committed to annual funding of $150,000 over five years for the peak body representing land care groups across the Territory.
"Actions speak louder than words, which is why I am proud to announce this ongoing funding to one of the Territory's great community organisations," said Mr Burgoyne.
"Funding over a five-year period will deliver sustainable land and water management activities across the NT, with a major focus on the Barkly, Big Rivers and Central Australia regions.
"Landcare NT assists 25 community land care groups, representing around 900 volunteers throughout the Territory to deliver real, on-the-ground programs to protect our environment such as weed and litter removal, native plant revegetation, fire mitigation control and erosion management.
"Our government promised that 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security and this announcement shows we are delivering on our commitment to Territorians."
Landcare NT is the Territory's only peak body for community land care which supports urban, rural and remote communities to build knowledge and skills in sustainable land and water management.
The funding will enable Landcare NT to bring together its community land care groups, government and industry and other key stakeholders to increase collaboration and better delivery of environmental priorities.
Chief Executive Officer of Landcare NT, Emily Raso, welcomed the new funding agreement, highlighting that community land care was critical for the NT to support government, industry and community address environmental issues including declining soil and river health, biodiversity loss and increasing pests and weeds.
"This is the first time an NT Government has committed funding to support Landcare in the NT," she said.
"NT Government funding is vital to ensure Landcare NT has the resources and financial stability to support, strengthen and mobilise community Landcare volunteers across the NT to deliver environmental priorities."
The new five-year partnership replaces the recently terminated agreements with the Environment Centre NT and Arid Lands Environment Centre, both previously worth $100,000 per year.
Mr Burgoyne said the remainder of the recovered funding would be re-invested into environmental protection efforts conducted by the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, such as removal of fire hazards and flora and fauna protection.
