Landcare Victoria has launched the inaugural Landcare Plan for Victoria Impact Report 2024 & 2025, as well as the latest edition of the Victorian Landcare and Catchment Magazine, as part of an event held at Parliament House this week.
The Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Environmental Volunteer Showcase saw around 135 landcarers and environmental volunteers fill Queen’s Hall in Parliament House across two days. The event provided an opportunity to showcase on-ground works and demonstrate the benefits of community led on-ground action directly with politicians from all parties.
The event, hosted by the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Landcare was supported by Landcare Victoria and the Victorian Environment Friends Network.
Landcare Victoria CEO Claire Hetzel said it was important to acknowledge the efforts of the landcarers and land stewards who came from all corners of Victoria to attend the event.
“They have taken time out from work, from families, from farms, to be able to fly the landcare banner proudly, and to have genuine conversations about the amazing work that is happening in landcare and environmental friends of groups across the state,” Claire said.
Claire also extended a thank you to Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Landcare members Tom McIntosh MP, Martha Haylett MP, Richard Welch MP and Melina Bath MP.
At the event, Landcare Victoria was pleased to launch the inaugural Landcare Plan for Victoria Impact Report 2024 & 2025.
Through 26 case studies, a set of impact statistics and an assessment of progress against actions from the Landcare Plan for Victoria, the Impact Report highlights the achievements of Victoria’s landcare movement in 2024 and 2025.
The Report demonstrates a range of impacts, including the people power of landcare, the strength of landcare communities, the economic contribution of the movement, and the outcomes delivered through on-ground action and partnerships, including:
- More than 89,000 people participated in landcare in 2025
- Landcare volunteers contributed over 1,000,000 hours of service across 2024 and 2025, the equivalent of $56.8 million for public benefit through unpaid work
- Victorian State Government investment in the Victorian Landcare Program delivered 21,073 ha of on-ground habitat protection, revegetation, weed control and herbivore control
This Impact Report is full of case studies about grassroots energy and successes for land and agricultural productivity across Victoria and is a testament to how local action and collaboration can deliver real impact.
The Report also identifies several challenges that require attention if the movement is to achieve the full ambitions of the Landcare Plan and provides 10 recommendations to guide system priorities over the next two years.
“Overall, the Impact Report findings confirm that Victoria’s landcare movement remains a powerful force for environmental stewardship and community action,” Claire said.
“With targeted investment and strategic coordination, the system will be well placed to co-deliver priorities beside government and non-government partners in 2026 and beyond.”
The event also provided an opportunity to launch the latest edition of the Victorian Landcare and Catchment Magazine, which celebrates 40 years of landcare – with stories showcasing the people, places and practices that make landcare great.
You can download a copy of the magazine or read it online now. If you would like to subscribe to the magazine, complete the online form.
The 2024 and 2025 Impact Report and Victorian Landcare and Catchment Magazine were funded by the Victorian Government through the Victorian Landcare Program.