UPDATE: Experts and volunteers are converging on the Gold Coast for the 2025 Landcare Australia conference, aiming to address urgent environmental challenges facing Australia’s ecosystems. The three-day event, hosted by renowned gardening presenter Costa Georgiadis, commenced today and is set to be the largest knowledge-sharing and networking event for landcarers across the nation.
As the effects of climate change intensify, the conference highlights the critical connection between landcare and agriculture. Doug Humann, chair of Landcare Australia, emphasized the role of farmers and landcarers, stating, “Farmers, producers, graziers, and landcarers stand shoulder to shoulder as caretakers of Australia’s land, water, and biodiversity.”
The conference agenda is packed with pressing topics, including climate adaptation, biodiversity, sustainability, and innovative conservation techniques led by Indigenous communities. Su McCluskey, CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation, underscored the importance of this gathering, noting, “Farmers care for more than half of Australia’s landmass, placing them at the forefront of emissions reduction, biodiversity protection, and long-term land stewardship.”
Keynote speaker Fiona Simson, World Farmers’ Organisation vice-president, will address the conference on Monday morning, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices amid climate challenges. Notable attendees include Julie Collins, Agriculture Minister, and Murray Watt, Environment Minister, who will share insights on government support for landcare initiatives.
An awards ceremony on Tuesday will recognize community efforts in environmental restoration, with finalists for the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award including Garry Kadwell, a fourth-generation farmer, and sustainable farming pioneer Stuart McAlpine. The award honors individuals who exemplify commitment to the grassroots landcare movement that began over 35 years ago.
The conference also hosted a First Nations gathering and a summit for next-generation landcarers yesterday, alongside a short film festival showcasing environmental narratives. Since its inception in 1989, Landcare has mobilized over 140,000 volunteers and supported more than 6,000 community-led environmental groups, all dedicated to ecological restoration and protection.
Following the Landcare conference, the National Farmers’ Federation’s AgXchange will bring together farmers, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of sustainable agriculture.
As Australia grapples with increasing environmental pressures, the outcomes of this conference will be crucial for shaping the nation’s ecological future. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
