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Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions

Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.

By news@gippsland - 30th September 2026 - Back to News

The Carroll Labor government is backing Victorians of all ages to protect the environment, with almost $4 million for hundreds of community and Junior Landcare projects across the state. The 2026 Victorian government Landcare Grants will provide $3.58 million to support local volunteers to restore habitat, improve waterways and landscapes, tackle weeds and bring communities together. Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes said, "For 40 years Landcare has brought Victorians together, and we’re making sure the next generation can continue that proud legacy"

Pictured is 14 arms wide around a red gum tree - courtesy of Maffra Landcare. West Gippsland projects will restore koala habitat, revegetate the Tarwin River floodplain and connect families and young people with nature

Landcare funding boost

Jess Wilson’s One Nation Coalition $40 billion cuts agenda means cuts to vital community services like Landcare. "We are delighted to facilitate Landcare across West Gippsland and that over 22 projects and 18 support grants projects were granted funds this year totalling $337,250. The exciting projects will drive change across Landscapes continuing Landcare’s proud tradition of working together to care for the places we love," said Martin Fuller, CEO of West Gippsland CMA.

Projects span from restoring koala habitat with Yarram Yarram Landcare Network and revegetating the Tarwin River floodplain, to creating opportunities for families and young people to connect with nature through community events in Wellington Shire. A range of support grants will also help to keep the powerhouse that is Landcare up and running.

Landcare projects grow

These highlighted projects include:

• Koala Binge in Bingie - Yarram Landcare Network and Wonyip Landcare Group.
• One Tree for Me. One Tree for the Tarwin - Tarwin Landcare Group
• Creating Small Footprints: Nature Connection Event Series - Maffra & District Landcare Network. See more details below

"Together, all projects demonstrate the diversity of Landcare across West Gippsland, combining on-ground environmental works with education, community engagement, and volunteer participation. Landcare in West Gippsland celebrates 40 years this year and these projects are the start of the next 40 years of action," Martin concluded. For the full list of recipients and more information, visit DEECA website.

Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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