Question details
Northcote electorate
(1129) My question is to the Minister for Environment. Can the minister advise how the Victorian government supports the role of community-based environmental stewards like the Darebin Creek Management Committee in caring for public land? The Darebin Creek parkland was once a quarried, degraded landscape. It is now a treasured urban ecosystem, driven by over 50 years of work and advocacy by the local not-for-profit DCMC. They have restored land, revived habitat, engaged schools, partnered with traditional custodians and brought generations of volunteers into the work of caring for, connecting with and protecting this precious environment. Their impact is profound. Labor invests in this kind of care through the Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018, the suburban parks program and grassroots environmental restoration. Locally I have joined community members planting trees, improving trails and supporting creek health initiatives. Now, as council reviews future land management, there is a real concern that this trusted community model could be replaced by private contractors. That would be a disaster for the creek and parklands.
Thank you to the Member for Northcote for the question relating to Victorian Government support for community-based environmental stewards like the Darebin Creek Management Committee.
The Victorian Government is proud to support volunteers who are working to keep our unique environment healthy and has been a long-term supporter of environmental volunteer groups, including Friends of, Landcare and Coastcare, through a range of initiatives including Victorian Landcare Grants and Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program.
The Victorian Landcare Grants has invested $81 million since 2000 to help communities deliver projects that protect and enhance Victoria’s land and natural environment, and to support environmental volunteer groups to operate. The 2025 grants applications closed on 16 April 2025 and will provide an additional $3.55 million for projects and support.
The Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program funds part-time positions in community groups to enable effective participation of volunteers in protecting the environment with $56 million invested since 2011. A further two years of funding was provided through the recent 2025-26 State Budget.
I hope this provides assurance of the continuing commitment and support of the Victorian Government for environmental volunteer groups.
Steve Dimopoulos MP
Member for Oakleigh
Minister for Environment
