The start of 2010 will see Landcare Queensland working with Motorcycling Queensland to repair and protect the environment on and around motorcycling event sites throughout Queensland.
 
By taking the initiative to help reduce the impacts that motorcycle recreation and sport has on the environment through carbon emissions and environmental degradation, Motorcycling Queensland’s decision to introduce an environmental levy to event registration fees is an Australian first in the motorcycling sport and recreation industry and demonstrates their proactive commitment to mitigating the impacts of their sport while also supporting the Landcare movement.
 
The $1 levy fee will be introduced to all Motorcycling Queensland event registrations from the 1st January 2010 and with over 1000 events sanctioned by Motorcycling Queensland each year it is estimated that around $60,000 will be generated annually. These funds will be contributed to on-ground environmental reparation projects and will be carried out by Landcare groups on and around motorcycling event sites in Queensland.
 
“Landcare Queensland is very pleased to be working with Motorcycling Queensland on this initiative, we will be both repairing environmental damage and engaging a new sector of the community in natural resource management.” said Landcare Queensland’s Manager Chloe Tanner.
 
“Carbon pollution is big news with the Emissions Trading Scheme currently in the headlines. At a time when some industries are adopting a wait and see attitude it is encouraging to see Motorcycling Queensland taking a proactive step towards minimising the impact of the recreational motorcycling industry and its activities on the environment.”
 
The $1.00 figure has been calculated based on carbon emissions produced by riders across a wide range of events. On average it is estimated that at a two day event each rider consumes 12 litres of fuel.
 
“The on-ground projects that the funds will be contributed towards will be developed between Motorcycling Queensland, clubs and local Landcare groups, and it is hoped that this approach will help foster ownership and awareness of the work that is being done while also ensuring good environmental outcomes” said Miss Tanner.
 
According to Motorcycling Queensland General Manager, Lindsay Granger, the agreement with Landcare will enable motorcycle sporting clubs and promoters to significantly rehabilitate and improve their own properties by using funds from the Environmental Levy. Applications have already been called for projects to commence in the first year of the agreement.
 
Landcare Queensland and Motorcycling Queensland look forward to announcing where the first on-ground project will take place early in 2010.
 
If you would like to find out how you can make a difference in your local community contact Landcare Queensland on (07) 3211 4413 to find out about your local Landcare group.

Queenslanders have always had an intricate connection with the land in which they live and as we celebrated Proclamation Day on December 10, recognising Queensland’s 150th anniversary, Landcare Queensland has launched a series of digital stories, Landcare Legends, to celebrate and recognise the tireless commitment of those looking after the Queensland landscape.
 
Landcare Queensland received funding through the Queensland Governments Q150 community funding program which has allowed them to compile the collection of Landcare Legends digital stories which are displayed on the Landcare Queensland PlaceStories website www.landcareqld.placestories.com.
 
Landcare Queensland Project Coordinator Mr Justin Ward has worked with a variety of Landcare groups and individuals to assist them to produce their inspiring stories.
 
“The collection of stories really demonstrates the variety of activities and people involved in Landcare in Queensland and their unwavering commitment to the repair and protection of our uniquely Queensland landscapes.”
 
“We sought nominations for Landcare Legends stories from the landcare network and we have put together the stories published from these nominations. It was great to see keen interest from the groups for their story to be told and we hope to continue to grow this collection of stories for years to come” said Mr Ward.
 
Landcare is an informal community driven network of people who all have one thing in common, a desire to learn more about and look after our precious natural resources.  
 
While the term Landcare was first used in relation to the now 40,000 strong network of volunteers 20 years ago, Queenslanders have been caring for their land for a much longer period of time. Some long time Landcare stalwarts have memories and photographs of field days and conservation projects dating back to the 50’s and beyond.
 
The current strength of the Landcare movement is based on these pioneers who have long held the torch for the sustainable use of our natural resources in order for our future generations to live from and enjoy the landscapes that are uniquely Queensland.
 
“Queenslanders enjoy the most diverse environment in Australia, from productive agricultural lands to pristine rainforest, natural inland rivers to beautiful beaches and the great barrier reef. Hopefully these stories inspire even more people to get involved in their local Landcare group to help look after a landscape that is definitely worth caring for”
 
There are Landcare groups right across Queensland who are carrying out local projects. If you are interested in finding out where your closest Landcare groups is and how you can get involved in their activities contact Landcare Queensland on 07) 3211 4413.
 
To view the Landcare Legends stories visit the Landcare Queensland PlaceStories website www.landcareqld.placestories.com.