Landcare program ‘kicked off to the never-never’

One of the big environmental projects Labor showcased in its first Budget will now not proceed for several years, it has been revealed.

Labor has been accused of quietly shelving one of the key environmental measures it announced shortly after forming government in 2022.

In the October 2022 Budget, $90 million was allocated for up to 1000 Landcare Rangers who would “deliver on-ground actions to protect and restore Australia’s environment and heritage”.

Budget papers specified the program would address labour and skills shortages in the environment sector and target regions with high unemployment.

Funding was due to commence in 2022/23 and continue for five years.

But in Senate Estimates hearings this week a spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water confirmed the program had been deferred to the 2027/28 financial year – the year after funding was originally due to conclude.

Opposition Environment Spokesperson Senator Jonathon Duniam. Picture: Linda Higginson

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Opposition Environment spokesman Jonno Duniam described the deferral until 2027/28 as “the never-never”.

“It’s bad enough that Tanya Plibersek, and the Albanese Government, have broken yet another election promise – this time on Landcare Rangers,” he said.

“It’s worse that they appear to have kicked it off to the never-never, and tried to hide a $90 million cut from the Australian public.”

“Tanya Plibersek and Labor announced and spruiked this program with great fanfare. But, like many of their promises, they clearly had no idea how to deliver it,” Mr Duniam said.

But a spokesman for Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the program would be delivered.

“Landcare and other organisations facing labour market shortages worked with the Government to adjust the program.

“This was not secret. It was published in the Budget almost a year ago,” the Minister’s spokesperson said.

Capricorn Coast Landcare Group volunteers with litter collected from Fig Tree Creek in Yeppoon. Picture: Malcolm Wells

Landcare expressed “disappointment” over the deferral.

“It is disappointing funding for the Landcare Ranger Program has been delayed until 27/28,” a written statement from the organisation read.

“Landcare Australia understands an announcement about essential funds for Landcare under the Natural Heritage Trust is imminent, providing a further $14.5 million for Landcare over the next five years. It is concerning that there has been a decline in funding for Landcare in recent years, however we look forward to working constructively with the Australian Government and other stakeholders to protect our environment and our vital agricultural lands.”

Originally published as Landcare program ‘kicked off to the never-never’