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Coalition Government Will Restore Funds For Landcare Support The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition will restore funding to support Landcare co-ordinators across Victoria and help local community volunteers protect and restore Victoria’s environment said By Russell Northe - 22nd November 2010 - Back to News Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe.
"Labor’s budget cut funds for Landcare by $10.9 million, but a Coalition Government will increase Landcare funding by $12 million to help fund 60 Landcare co-ordinators across Victoria," said Mr Northe.
"John Brumby has done nothing while Labor has slashed the number of Landcare support staff in Victoria from more than 140 in 2007-2008 to just 35 at the end of last year.
"Our volunteers deserve better support to protect and restore our environment, so a Coalition Government will provide $12 million over the next four years to fund up to 75 per cent of the salaries of 60 Landcare Coordinators across Victoria’s 10 Catchment Management Authority areas, including Gippsland.
"Labor has undermined small volunteer-based Landcare networks that do such great work on vital local environmental programs," Mr Northe said.
"Under the Coalition, our community will benefit from getting Landcare co-ordinators back on the ground to support volunteers and secure projects to protect and restore our environment, including our local waterways such as Waterhole Creek in Morwell and Traralgon Creek.
"These creeks and waterways run through our major towns; however it would be fair to say that the health and visual aspects of these two creeks in particular require much greater attention.
"I’m sure residents of both Morwell and Traralgon would welcome greater investment in restoring these iconic waterways to their past glory. It would be terrific to see families having picnics along the creeks or even dropping a line in the water; however due to the quality of the water and the state of the surrounding areas this currently does not occur.
"Local Landcare groups and volunteers have attempted over time to undertake improvements but further support is required from Government and that is why I am pleased that the Coalition in Government will restore much needed funding to Landcare co-coordinators."
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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