Landcare NT gets $150k from NT government, weeks after two environment groups had funding cut

Money gutted from two Territory environment groups is being reallocated – and it’s going to lead to ‘real outcomes’, the environment minister says.

NT lands, planning, and environment minister Joshua Burgoyne with Landcare NT chief executive Emily Raso at Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, Alice Springs, April 4, 2024. Picture: Gera Kazakov

A funding reallocation will “lead to real outcomes” for the Northern Territory, according to the environment minister, who has used money gutted from other environment organisations to fund another.

Making the announcement on Friday, lands, planning, and environment minister Josh Burgoyne said Landcare NT would receive $150,000 in funding from the government.

“We’re reallocating this funding into Landcare, a group that’s been operating for many years, to ensure that there’s that collaboration right across the NT, to ensure that we are managing our land appropriately and we’re investing in those programs on the ground to see real outcomes,” he said.

The $150k would be delivered over five years, Mr Burgoyne said.

Landcare NT chief executive Emily Raso at Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Landcare NT chief executive Emily Raso said this was the first time the volunteer organisation was given funding from the government.

“We’ve got volunteers right across the Northern Territory that are involved in on ground action – every weekend they’re out there they’re involved in weed management, removal of litter, fire mitigation practises, they’re involved in feral animal management and community activity,” she said.

The money going towards Landcare comes from funding cut from the Arid Lands Environment Centre and Environment Centre NT in February.

Each organisation got $100,000, with the leftover $50,000 going towards Mr Burgoyne’s department for fire hazard removal as well as flora and fauna protection.

Arid Lands Environment Centre policy officer Alex Vaughan. Picture: Gera Kazakov

ALEC policy advocacy co-ordinator Alex Vaughan said the organisation had a proud 45 year history.

“From resisting nuclear waste dumps and fracking in the Beetaloo to supporting communities fight for water justice and establishing two community gardens here in Mparntwe Alice Springs,” he said.

“Protecting the environment requires a range of approaches, from getting your hands dirty to organising our communities. We need structural reforms to address our biggest environmental threats as well as people pulling weeds if we are going to meaningfully care for the land.”

Originally published as Landcare NT gets $150k from NT government, weeks after two environment groups had funding cut