Landcare Australia’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In FY25, Landcare Australia continued to deliver meaningful environmental and social outcomes that align with 11 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a global framework for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Through our diverse programs, partnerships and community-led initiatives, we are actively contributing to goals spanning climate life on land, quality education, sustainable agriculture, and more.

This year, 218 projects were funded across 15 grant programs, supporting landcare groups, farming communities, and conservation efforts across the country. Over $2,465,000 in funding was distributed, supporting the planting of more than 206,000 trees and plants, the restoration of 1,450 hectares of degraded land, and the sustainable management of 10,578 hectares of agricultural land.

Our commitment to engaging the next generation of landcarers remains strong, with 66,102 students participating in Junior Landcare activities. Community involvement was also a cornerstone of our impact, with 9,395 volunteers contributing their time and energy to on-ground projects.

From installing 671 artificial habitats to conducting 850 biodiversity surveys, our projects are helping regenerate ecosystems, protect native species, and build resilient landscapes. Importantly, 226 projects involved First Nations people, recognising and integrating Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage into land management practices.

By tracking our outcomes across these key indicators, Landcare Australia continues to demonstrate how local action can drive global progress—ensuring that people and planet thrive together.

During FY25, Landcare Australia contributed to the success of 11 UN SDGs, bringing together multiple partners across diverse sectors, and other stakeholders to fund...

0

Projects funded
by grants

0

Trees & plants
established

0

Students involved in
Junior Landcare projects

Zero Hunger

Landcare Australia continues to support sustainable agriculture and food security through projects that enhance land management practices and build climate resilience.

In FY25 over 10,578 hectares of agricultural land was supported through projects that help improve soil health, water quality and biodiversity on farms.

Contributed to target 2.4

Quality Education

66,102 young people took part in Junior Landcare projects, engaging in nature-based hands-on learning experiences, and building skills and knowledge about caring for our natural environment.

103 projects were funded through the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants program, engaging young Victorians in learning about and caring for Victoria’s biodiversity.

Contributed to targets 4.4 and 4.7

Clean Water and Sanitation

74,215 plants were established in riparian zones, including 3,000 along the Wambuul Macquarie River in Dubbo, NSW, as part of a project funded by the Jaramas Foundation and Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, which will increase habitat, minimise erosion and support fish habitat.

The Gallagher Landcare Fencing Grants supported the removal of 6,450kg of litter from freshwater

Contributed to targets 6.6

Decent Work and Economic Growth

The a2 Farm Sustainability Fund supports projects within The a2 Milk Company’s farming supply chain that demonstrate an integrated approach to a sustainable future. Since 2017, Landcare Australia has partnered with a2MC to administer the fund.

In 2025, seven projects were funded with the aim to drive positive environmental outcomes, including improved water quality, increased productivity, better soil health and enhanced energy efficiency.

Contributes to target 8.4

Reduce Inequality Within and Among Countries

The Bangerang Aboriginal Corporate was supported by Steadfast Group through its partnership with Landcare Australia to conduct two cultural burn workshops and undertake training to support native vegetation assessment and monitoring, helping build its capacity.

82 corporate volunteers over five events were hosted by Indigigrow, an Aboriginal-led social enterprise sustaining people, land and culture through the propagation and growing of native plants in Sydney’s La Perouse.

Contributed to targets 10.2

Sustainable Cities and Communities

155 projects funded through Landcare Australia’s partnerships included activities or initiatives that promoted or conserved Traditional knowledge, including engaging with Traditional Owner groups on projects, Welcome to Country ceremonies, bush tucker garden and yarning circles projects.

972 hectares of public green space or parkland was enhanced or restored through funded projects. This work is undertaken by local Landcare organisations, and helps ensure local communities can benefit from
safe, accessible and biodiverse green spaces.

Contributed to targets 11.4 and 11.7

Responsible Consumption and Production

255 projects funded through grants programs included waste management activities, engaging 20,360 people in collecting 12,606 kg of litter. 13,395 kg of litter was diverted through landfill.

251 of these projects were funded through the Woolworths Junior Landcare and Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants programs, engaging young people in learning about responsible waste management, composting and recycling.

Contributed to targets 12.4, 12.5 and 12.6

Climate Action

Landcare Australia successfully launched an online toolkit to support Australian farmers in navigating the carbon market while improving biodiversity thanks to a Country Road Climate Fund grant. The free online Environmental Plantings Toolkit is aimed at supporting eligible farmers to understand their opportunities to participate in the ‘green economy’ through measures such as native tree planting.

The Michael King Landcare Nursery Grants supported the Yass Area Network of Landcare Group’s ‘Climate Ready Revegetation’ project. Through propagating and planting ‘climate-ready’ plants, the project strengthens the resilience of local landscapes and ecosystems, producing around 12,500 tubestock annually.

Contributed to target 13.1

Life Below Water

Nine Coastcare projects and Corporate Environmental Volunteering events were held, helping to collect 75kg of marine debris.

Belmont Wetlands State Park volunteers progressed towards their goal to restore 3,972m² of degraded northern foredunes through the installation of 510m of sand fencing to prevent dune erosion and the planting of 800 native coastal plants funded by the Landcare Australia Community Grants program.

Contributed to targets 14.1 and 14.2

Life On Land

206,302 trees and plants were established and 997 hectares of weed control undertaken through projects delivered or supported by Landcare Australia, helping to reduce invasive species, restore degraded land, and enhance biodiversity.

850 community biodiversity surveys were undertaken by groups and schools to learn more about the biodiversity in their local areas. Landcare Australia flora and fauna surveys covered 2,282 hectares of land, with 53 Koalas observed through the Wildseek project. The observations improve our capacity to understand koala populations and use that information to make informed decisions about how we can protect them.

Contributed to targets 15.3, 15.5, 15.8 and 15

Partnerships For The Goals

1,061 projects and events funded by Landcare Australia collected data contributing to the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals. Stakeholders include more than 50 Australia businesses, Federal, state and local governments, and Landcare organisations.

2,218 volunteer hours were contributed to 38 community landcare events and projects by 488 volunteers from 21 companies through Landcare Australia’s Corporate Environmental Volunteering program. Together they had a significant impact, planting 11,419 and propagating 23,137 seedlings.

Contributed to target 17.16

Subscribe to our newsletters