Escarpment Restoration In Bête Belong
Hands Make Light Work for Newest Landcare Member
For forty years, Landcare has partnered with landholders and farmers working to improve local environments and landscapes.
On a beautiful Tuesday morning, members of the Snowy West Landcare Group gathered to assist one of the group’s newest members continue a revegetation project that began more than 10 years ago under previous property owners.
Set on a steep embankment overlooking Orbost, this site has limited agricultural productivity value. The planting on the young local dairy farmer’s property will now help reduce wind impacts and erosion, attract native birdlife, and enhance the landscape outlook.
Subject to securing future funding, plans are in place to continue linking two nearby areas of forest, further stabilising the embankment and creating an important wildlife corridor.
“It’s great to see young farmers planning projects like this,” said local Landcare facilitator Josh Puglisi. “We know these projects can take years before the full results are visible, but it’s also wonderful to see people in the community pitching in to help and share advice on strategies that work.”
The project also highlighted the value of locally grown indigenous plants, with seedlings supplied through Moogji’s thriving local nursery, along with expert guidance on species selection and planting techniques.
“These projects are not easy,” Josh said. “They take time, follow-up planting, watering, and ongoing care. Often, you don’t see the full benefits of your work for decades. That’s why Far East Victoria Landcare believes it’s so important to celebrate achievements along the way.”
Far East Victoria Landcare is celebrating 40 years of Landcare this year and is planning a significant community event later in 2026. Confirmed as a guest speaker is renowned bird enthusiast and broadcaster Sean “The Birdman” Dooley, who will present at two locations across the region. His presentations will highlight the environmental successes achieved through decades of community action and recognise some of the people who have helped make it happen.
Currently, many properties in Far East Gippsland are undertaking shelterbelt planting, farm dam enhancement, wetland protection, and biodiversity projects, all made possible through the Victorian Government’s Landcare Grants program, supported by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
More information about the celebrations will be released soon. To learn more, contact Far East Victoria Landcare or visit their website.