Loddon Plains Landcare Network - a brief history

Following the announcement that Shire-based Landcare Coordinators would no longer be funded by the Federal Government, some Landcare group members in the Loddon Shire began exploring alternate support models. Mal Brown (Loddon Shire resident, Chair of the Natural Resource Management Committee for the North Central CMA, and a member of the Northern United Forestry Group) initiated a meeting of Loddon Landcare groups to explore the idea of forming a new network.
On 24th July at Loddon Shire offices, Serpentine 42 Landcare group members attended. There were 10 apologies. Three different examples of networks were presented and discussed and representatives from interested groups were sought to form a working group.
On the 14th August, following on from the July meeting a nine-person working group met at the Loddon Shire Offices, Serpentine to progress the concept of a network for groups that are currently operating alone. Working group participants included representatives from Loddon Vale Landcare, Northern United Forestry Group, Salisbury West Landcare, Wedderburn Conservation Management Network and Yando Landcare. Andy Hay, representing Kamarooka, North Central and Bendigo Creek Floodplain Landcare Groups was an apology. The working group agreed on a set of guiding principles for any formal network moving forward.

A fundamental principle is that all groups must fully retain their individual identities.

The other agreed principles recognize that the network provides a critical mass of like-minded people in a defined geographic area who are provided with greater opportunities to:
• Achieve connectivity across the network's landscape via both vegetation corridors and cultural heritage trails
• Recognize, value and share local knowledge about both the natural environment and sustainable farming practices
• Share the diverse skill base that all members bring
• Attract public and private funding for on-ground works to improve the condition of the natural environment that are critical to the goals of both the broader network and the individual groups
• Participate in research trials across different landscapes.

The network adopted the name 'Loddon Plains Landcare Network' as an interim working title. Although some representatives live in the foothills the majority live on the Loddon Plain.
At a meeting on 11th September it was decided, by a show of hands, that a network should be formed. Discussion was held concerning the composition of the network. The most favoured model was that the network should have a Working Group and an Executive.
At the next meeting on the 18th September it was agreed it was important to form an Executive, become incorporated entity, open a bank account and apply for an ABN, so that the network could apply for funding. The meeting endorsed a process by which nominations for the Executive of the Loddon Plains Landcare Network (LPLN) could be achieved.
After due process the nominees below were elected to the LPLN Executive on 9th October 09:
1. Chair - Mal Brown
2. Deputy Chair - Penny Wall
3. Secretary - Michael Moore
4. Treasurer - Jean McClymont
On the 16th October at the Bendigo Bank, Inglewood a bank account for the Loddon Plains Landcare Network was opened and this being done the executive proceeded to obtain an ABN number. The group will also proceed to become a member of the VFF – FTLA with consequent incorporation which will allow the application for funding to go ahead.

The next meeting of the Network Working Group will be held at Durham Ox on the Serpentine Creek, starting 5pm on Friday 20 November. All members of the network, and those considering joining the Network are welcome to attend. Details to follow.

Article by Mal Brown and Michael Moore