​BACKGROUND & HISTORY

The main aim of the Landcare Groups that form the Bass Coast Landcare Network is to promote land use and management that ensures integrity and sustainability of land, water and biodiversity.  The Networks core purpose is to provide support and resources to the groups within the Network to assist them in achieving their aims and objectives.
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The Bass Coast Landcare Network (BCLN) was formed in 2003 as an affiliation of the Landcare Groups, enabling them to better position themselves for investment from government, local, state and federal and corporate programs.  Sixty percent of the 1,400 rural properties in the Network area are involved in and supported by the BCLN.
The Bass Coast Landcare Network falls in two Catchment Management Areas, West Gippsland and Port Phillip and Western Port. The top of the catchment is characterised by steep hills with slopes from 20 to 40 degrees whilst the lower catchment area is flat and prone to flooding and salinity. Within the catchment there are several small rural settlements surrounded by agricultural enterprises, such as dairying, beef cattle, sheep and vegetables, which support the majority of the population. Tourism, small rural allotments and extractive industries are other typical land uses within the catchment.

​The Network has the twin focus of changing the understanding and the practices of landholders. In recent years the Network has conducted education and training programs for landholders and facilitated farmer discussion groups to highlight the issues of land management, best practice farming techniques and whole farm planning. In addition, the Network has been successful in gaining funds to support landholders and urban groups to complete works to improve their land. This includes re-vegetation, soil health, salinity control, sustainability, greenhouse reduction, wetland restoration, coastal rehabilitation, pest plant and animal control, improving water quality and monitoring biodiversity.
Under the direction of each of the Groups and the Network, Landcare staff manages a variety of programs, including;
  • Education and Training - Engaging the next generation, supporting a community of practice
  • Demonstrating Sustainable Agriculture - Providing pathways to resilient and profitable farming
  • Natural Resource Management - Remnant vegetation protection and revegetation
  • Pest Plant and Animal Control - Integrated management and control
  • Works Crew - Assisting landholders in on ground works and offering traineeships
  • Indigenous plant nursery - Volunteers growing local indigenous plants for Landcare projects
  • The River Garden - A community trials, education, demonstration space and future food hub
  • Practical Sustainability - Community action for sustainable farms and homes
  • Capitalise on Carbon - Supporting landholders to generate income from sequestration
  • Partnerships in Action - Engaging and delivering partnerships in the corporate and agency sector
  • Ecosystem Services Delivery - Valuing biodiversity and providing consulting services 

Bass Coast Landcare Network Organisation Chart

OUr Core purpose 

Educate - Grow - Feed

OUR VISION

Our vision is to be a community engaged in supporting a productive, biodiverse landscape incorporating sustainable agricultural practices and innovative environmental enterprises.

OUr MISSION 

We collaborate with our groups, the community and partners to provide on ground services in the delivery of innovative land and environmental management practices in support of healthy and resilient communities and ecosystems for generations to come. ​

Our values

The BCLN core values have been drawn from a consultative process between the Board and BCLN staff. They are not rules but represent guiding principles that we should test all decisions and actions against.
  • Excellence: To strive for high standards in everything we do to create the best outcomes for the community and future generations.
  • Respect: To maintain a respectful and professional attitude to embrace individuality and different viewpoints and values.
  • Teamwork: To create a healthy, cohesive and supportive work environment to ensure collaboration and cooperation are cornerstones of our organisation.
  • Optimism/resilience: to continually adapt and evolve to change while remaining optimistic and confident in our values.
  • Integrity: To take pride in working professionally and honestly to achieve outcomes that reflect our values and enhance our reputation as a trust worthy organisation.

As an organisation, we value and support biodiversity and the natural environment.

Our Strategies 2023 - 2028

To achieve our core purpose, five key strategies and their objectives have been identified. These strategies and objectives will guide the selection and focus of the activities undertaken by the Network. How the activities are to be managed will be outlined in an annual Operational Plan, compiled and reviewed in November each year for the coming year.
  • Landcare Groups, people and partnerships – Strong rural and urban communities engaged and connected through Landcare Partnerships
  • Sustainable Agriculture – Promoting innovative and sustainable property management
  • Knowledge sharing – Supporting, promoting and sharing knowledge across our region
  • Strong Professional Organisation – A strong and professional organisation that meets all the governance needs and is safe, skilled and effective
  • Biodiversity – Linking, protecting and enhancing biodiverse landscapes

For the objectives under each of our key strategies, please refer to our Strategic plan by clicking below. 

"We encourage individuals and Community Groups to submit project applications, no matter how large or small, for consideration as part of the BCLN Public Fund”