Media release
15 October 2009
Landcare looks to the future
Landcare Queensland is undergoing a large community consultation process this month to
determine what landcare groups see as their role for the future.
The process being undertaken, termed Landcare21, will celebrate the achievements of
landcare groups over their 20 year history, and look to the future needs of the network.
Geoff Penton, Chair Landcare Queensland says the timing is perfect, given the Queensland
Landcare Conference commencing today in Longreach.
“Landcare is a strong network, with some 60,000 people directly involved in Queensland
alone,” Penton said. “Through Landcare21 we want to talk to as many people as possible to
find out what they see as the issues affecting landcare, and what we can do to support them
into the future.”
Penton says a large number of people and groups have already responded through various
means.
“Because landcare groups are spread throughout the state, including in some remote areas, we
want to offer as many ways for people to contribute as possible.”
“We have online and paper based surveys, teleconferences where people can call in to have
their say, focus groups, shed meetings and one-on-one conversations. We invite anyone to let
us know what they think about Landcare, and to give suggestions for new directions and
engaging in the political process,” Penton said.
The information collected through consultation will be turned into a strategy and presented to
political and community leaders.
“We’re hoping our strategy – the community’s strategy – will lead to good investment in
landcare by both Queensland and Australian Governments.”
“But more importantly, we want to ensure that Landcare has a future well past the next 21
years, and we think the best people to assess what that future looks like, is landcarers
themselves. We’re going to be talking to as many landcare representatives as possible at this
conference to gauge first hand what’s happening out there on the ground in our regional
communities,” Penton said.
Staff and Directors of Landcare Queensland are in Longreach this week, along with 200 other
landcare representatives, at the 20th annual Queensland Landcare Conference.
Landcarers wishing to contribute to the Landcare21 consultation process can do so online by
More information and interview
Geoff Penton is available for interview from Longreach on 0408 871 978.
Media enquiries can be directed to Samantha Morris on 0421 709 519.
NEWS 
