Despite all the challenges 2020 has presented, Landcare Australia’s partnership activity is still on the rise. In addition to launching our partnership with recently certified carbon neutral, ISPT in November, we are also welcoming new partners as well as announcing innovative projects with existing partners. Examples of new partnerships and innovative projects launched over these past few months include:
Country Road supports Australian biodiversity projects in cotton farming landscapes
In October, Landcare Australia announced a three-year partnership with Australian fashion lifestyle brand, Country Road.
This ground-breaking alliance is coming to life through engaging cotton growers in biodiversity restoration projects across Australian farmlands.
Country Road Managing Director, Elle Roseby, said, “As an iconic Australian brand, Country Road has a role to play in protecting what matters and using our platform to benefit Australia’s natural landscapes. By partnering with Landcare Australia, a renowned environmental organisation, we hope to support the incredible efforts of Australian farmers, whose life’s work depends on having an intimate understanding of changing environmental needs.”
In October, Landcare Australia announced a three-year partnership with Australian fashion lifestyle brand, Country Road. Several other new partners and projects have also been launched over the last few months of 2020.
Country Road has committed a minimum of $600,000 to the partnership over three years, via a corporate contribution and funds raised through the sale of its famous Verified Australian Cotton Heritage Sweats.
Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said, “The partnership is a powerful example of how Landcare Australia brings together organisations to work on projects that will have a meaningful impact for farmers, the environment and the local community. We are very pleased to be working with Country Road and the Australian cotton industry on biodiversity projects that will protect habitat for a range of native plants and animals, including threatened species.”
Read more about this partnership on the Landcare Australia and Country Road websites.
Nature Valley partnership helping rejuvenate iconic walking trails
Also in October, General Mills brand, Nature Valley™ partnered with Landcare Australia to support the rejuvenation of bushfire affected walking trails with the launch of the Nature Valley™ Trails Landcare Grants program.
The grants, totaling $80,000, will enable two not-for-profit environmental conservation groups to rejuvenate nature trails in New South Wales’ mid-north coast and South Australia’s Adelaide Hills.
Lane Cahalan, Brand Manager for Nature Valley said, “We are very excited to launch this new program. At Nature Valley we stand for enabling people to connect and experience the magic of nature. After what has been a tough year for so many, we are passionate about helping communities get out more and give back so we can all experience the wonders of the great outdoors.”
Read more about this partnership and the grant recipient’s projects on the Landcare Australia and Nature Valley websites.
Lendlease supports Junior Landcare grants and employee environmental volunteering
The first initiatives of the Landcare Australia/Lendlease partnership launched in October with 12 twelve primary and high schools in Queensland and Western Australia being recipients of the first Lendlease Junior Landcare Grants, totaling nearly $60,000. The aim of this grants program is to help support the next generation of environmental and community leaders by fostering relationships with youth, the local community and Indigenous champions to drive greater environmental and social outcomes in communities where Lendlease has a presence. Read more about these grants.
Having employees participate in Corporate Environmental Volunteering is another important element of this partnership. Nearly 60 Lendlease employees in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory participated in Landcare Australia’s first multi-location corporate environmental volunteering events since COVID-19 started. Key to the success and safety of all involved was the development and implementation of COVID-19 related safety procedures, ensuring compliance with all relevant State Government COVID-19 health policies.
NBN partnership will use digital technology to enhance sustainable farming systems
NBN Co partnered with Landcare Australia in late 2019 with the purpose of supporting Australian farmers to be more resilient in the face of a changing climate. The partnership aims to drive innovative farming practices to improve sustainability and to share the outcomes across national farming networks using the NBN.
Last month, the Meningie East Field Healthy Soils Group in South Australia received the inaugural nbn™ Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grant. Funding of $40,000 was awarded to the group for an on-farm project demonstrating leadership in sustainable agriculture.
The project involves using remote monitoring systems to improve knowledge and decision-making around dryland salinity management. Using the NBN is a key component for this project to improve environmental and productivity outcomes.
To support the advancement of farmer knowledge, the outcomes from the project around productivity, environmental and social benefits will be shared via national farming networks leveraging the NBN. Read more about Landcare Australia’s partnership with NBN.
CHEP Land Management & Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grant will help restore endangered woodland
With $60,000 in funding from the first CHEP Land Management & Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grant, the Upper Snowy Landcare Network will be planting 4,500 native trees and shrubs to restore the foundations of an endangered woodland.
Planting such a substantial number of native trees will benefit agricultural productivity in this area and adjacent lands. It will also restore habitat to native birds, bats and marsupials, including some of the 46 species that are listed as vulnerable or endangered.
Lis Mannes, Executive General Manager for CHEP Australia said, “We’re proud to support this program and the regeneration of Australia’s valuable land and water assets. This is another small step forward in positive outcomes for our environment and the communities in which we live.
“In a resource-constrained world, circular business models like those operated by CHEP are recognised as a practical solution for businesses who seek to grow their positive impact beyond traditional supply chain boundaries. With a commitment to be nature-positive, CHEP supports Landcare Australia through a variety of different strategic initiatives that include a corporate volunteering program available to all employees.”
Read more about Landcare Australia’s partnership with CHEP and about the CHEP Land Management & Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Grant project.
This article was featured in IMPACT, Landcare Australia’s quarterly newsletter for businesses seeking to positively impact the environment and communities while achieving organisational goals.
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