History of the RGA’s partnership with Landcare
The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia has been partnering with Landcare for over 20 years. In the early years, this partnership linked the Environmental Champions Program with Landcare. In 2008-10, the RGA hosted a federally funded Landcare Facilitator in the Leeton office. Since 2010, Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc. has delivered Landcare in the MIA and CICL. Similarly, the Western Murray Land Improvement Group has delivered Landcare in the Western Murray Valley.
To fill a gap in Landcare delivery in the greater Deniliquin area, the RGA began hosting a Local Landcare Coordinator (LLC) in the Deniliquin office in 2016 through the Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative. The NSW State Government funded this program, and Local Land Services and Landcare NSW jointly delivered it. The RGA has continued to host a part-time LLC through subsequent iterations of the program (the 2019-23 NSW Landcare Program, and now the 2023-27 NSW Landcare Enabling Program).
In 2024, the RGA secured additional funding under the program to increase the role to full-time, allowing the team to expand our delivery area to include the greater Finley/Berrigan area.
Our Landcare Philosophy
The definition of Landcare is often misunderstood. Many hear the term “Landcare” and think it is only about planting a few trees.
At the RGA, we define Landcare as management practices that enhance the land and connected water. Landcare activities can include wetland management (including rice fields), soil health, vegetation, and the creation of natural and productive habitats.
Many Landcare projects support farm productivity improvement while providing improved environmental outcomes.
Working Together for Better Environmental and Agricultural Outcomes
RGA Landcare works across the Riverina to connect people, projects and opportunities that support productive farming systems, healthy landscapes and resilient communities.
As a proud Landcare NSW host organisation, we collaborate with landholders, producer groups, government agencies, local Landcare groups, community organisations and industry partners to deliver practical outcomes that benefit both agriculture and the environment.
Whether it's supporting on-ground works, securing funding, developing new projects or strengthening community connections, RGA Landcare helps turn local ideas into meaningful action.
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RGA Landcare provides practical support to community groups, volunteers, landholders and project partners throughout all stages of a project. This may include assistance with funding applications, project planning and management, governance and administration support, volunteer coordination, stakeholder engagement and community consultation. We also help connect individuals and organisations with relevant opportunities, resources and partnerships, while supporting the delivery of events, workshops and on-ground environmental activities.
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Successful Landcare projects are built on strong partnerships. RGA Landcare works closely with farmers, landholders, community organisations, schools, local Landcare groups, councils, government agencies, research organisations and industry partners. By bringing together local knowledge, practical experience and shared expertise, we help deliver projects that create lasting benefits for agriculture, the environment and regional communities.
Additional Landcare networks in rice growing regions:
