Loddon Plains Landcare Network

The LPLN community workshops designed to gather and share natural resource management information between the LPLN Committee of Management and interested members of the community have been completed. These workshops form part of a landscape restoration project known as the GOANNA project. Each workshop followed the same format involving speakers from the LPLN and the North Central Catchment Management Authority i.e. a presentation on the progress of the LPLN’s blueprint for landscape restoration followed by presentations concerning Victorian Landcare Grants and the North Central Catchment Management’s 2012 - 18 Regional Catchment Strategy. Participants were then encouraged to sit in groups around large maps of the area and discuss their ideas for possible landscape projects.
Attendance at the Wedderburn workshop, held on the 2nd May, although somewhat disappointing saw representatives from three local groups, Friends of Kooyoora, Mt Korong Eco – Watch Group and the Wedderburn CMN present their ideas and projects with respect to landscape restoration in their areas of concern.
The Serpentine Workshop was held on the May 9. There were 24 members from the local area who attended, a very pleasing turn out.  There was a great atmosphere, with people sharing dinner and getting into discussion about priority areas and projects for the network. The large maps provided were a great tool for initiating discussion of possible landscape restoration projects.
The Dingee Workshop was held on May 16. There were 8 members who attended, with representation from most of the local groups in that area. Again the workshop was fruitful in delivering project ideas and enthusiasm for conservation projects across the Loddon Plains.
Ideas have been gathered and collated from the three workshops with approximate project locations mapped. There have been approximately 27 projects collated.
The Norman Wettenhall Foundation has approved a grant of $30,000 for the next stage of the GOANNA project which will involve the employment of a project officer to research and develop complete plans for ongoing projects. These funds will be available in July 2012.
Article by Michael Moore and Anthony Gallacher