New Look for Landcare with National Facilitator Appointed

This media release is taken directly from the Minster for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's website.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke today welcomed Mr Brett de Hayr as the new National Landcare facilitator.

Mr Burke said the appointment of Mr de Hayr was an important step in the continued reinvigoration of Landcare in Australia.

“With the appointment of Mr de Hayr, and the recent appointment of Kim Chance to the National Landcare Council the key national leadership positions are in place, but as everyone from the Landcare community knows, the real leadership is in the hands of more than 100,000 volunteers,” Mr Burke said.

“With the challenges of climate change, drought, sustainable food production and protection of Australia’s rich biodiversity, the work the Landcare community carries out is absolutely crucial.”

Mr Chance said the role of National Landcare facilitator forms essential connections between Landcare groups and the Government, which is crucial to the ongoing success of the Landcare movement in Australia.

“Without the role of National Landcare Facilitator, community Landcare cannot fulfil its potential, nor can government realize its ambitions,” Mr Chance said.

Mr de Hayr said he was looking forward to a fresh start with Landcare, working closely with the national community of Landcare facilitators across Australia.

"Over the last 20 years Landcare has made a significant contribution to the environment and to sustainable land management across the country,” Mr de Hayr said.

"However, Landcare is not just about sustainable land management and the environment, it plays a vital role in responding to climate change and pressures on food production."

"I look forward to working with Landcare groups, the Australian Landcare Council, Government, individual landholders and all those interested in the broader potential of Landcare to tackle the challenges that lay ahead."

Mr de Hayr has held executive positions with the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, the Cattle Council of Australia and AgForce, and was most recently the former Executive Director of Sustainable Agriculture for Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Mr de Hayr’s role will support the development of the National Landcare Framework by working with the community to help identify the challenges and opportunities the Landcare movement and natural resource management will face over the next 20 years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Coral Love for her outstanding contribution to the Landcare movement as the National Landcare facilitator,” Mr Burke said.

Ms Love is stepping down, since taking on the role in 2002 and will continue to provide advice to the Australian Government on Landcare matters.

“It has certainly been a great honour and pleasure to be in this role and I will be proud to champion Landcare into the future. I congratulate Minister Burke for recognising Landcare’s contribution and potential,” Ms Love said.

The National Landcare Framework will be discussed at the upcoming National Landcare Forum being held in Adelaide in March 2010.

For more information on Landcare visit www.daff.gov.au/landcare