A community-led project, dedicated to preserving the native plants of the Barossa region, is in the running for a national Landcare award.
Barossa Bushgardens is one of eight finalists across the country vying for the prestigious Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award, to be announced at the National Landcare Awards in Sydney on August 24.
The award recognises the significant impact a partnership between individuals, groups, networks or organisations in landcare related activities has made as a result of working together.
Barossa Bushgardens was created by a group of volunteers in 2001 who were concerned by how little native vegetation remained in the Barossa region
The project has grown to become an established community enterprise, education resource, venue, tourist destination and recreation area.
Situated adjacent to the North Para River on seven hectares next to Nuriootpa, the Barossa Bushgardens site includes a botanic garden, seed orchard, native plant nursery, and community centre.
Barossa Bushgardens has forged successful partnerships with The Barossa Council, First Nations (Ngadjuri, Peramangk, Kaurna), the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, local businesses, community organisations, NGOs, schools, tertiary institutions, Landcare groups and state government agencies.
Landcare Australia CEO Shane Norrish said the Award showcased the many forms that effective partnership can take, with partners ranging from conservation groups, councils and NGOs, to businesses, state government agencies and First Nations.
He said Barossa Bushgardens and the other finalists in the awards exemplified the power of partnership.
"By working together they have achieved significant outcomes when it comes to restoring, protecting or enhancing their local environment.
"Their joint efforts are to be commended and will no doubt serve as inspiration for others to work together to share knowledge and amplify their impact."
Other finalists in partnerships awards award include Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (NSW); World Environment Day 2021 (QLD); and Northern Yarra Landcare Network in partnership with VicRoads (VIC).
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Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said the Australian government was thrilled to see the fantastic outcomes achieved by landcare led partnerships across Australia.
"Partnerships are critical, not only for improving agricultural sustainability and environmental health, but for bettering our personal and collective wellbeing," he said.
"I applaud the accomplishments of each of the award finalists.
"Their incredible work highlights why working together to improve agricultural, environmental and community outcomes is the keystone for securing Australia's sustainable future."
ACM is a media partner of Landcare Australia.
