About the GMLN
Who we are - About the region - Major threats - Introduction and history - GMLN's current aims
Challenges for the future - GMLN executive - How can I get involved?

Who we are
The Goulburn Murray Landcare Network (GMLN) is a voluntary, community run forum, operating within the Shepparton Irrigation Region (SIR), located in the Goulburn Broken and North Central Catchments of Victoria. The GMLN area covers approximately 3000 square kilometres and networks 39 Member Landcare groups.

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About the region
The Sheppaton Irrigation Region (SIR) covers 520,000 ha, of which 320,000 ha is irrigated and 200,000 is dryland or alternative land use. Within the SIR there are approximately 3000 dairy farms, 650 orchards, 3500 mixed farms and 16 major food processors. Approximately 25% of Victoria’s agricultural export earnings and about $4.5 billion in economic output each year is produced in the SIR. It is for this reason that the SIR is regarded as the “food bowl” of Australia.

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Major threats
The major threats to sustainable agricultural production within the SIR are the rising water table, salinity and nutrients in waterways. High watertables now under 30% of the SIR and if nothing is done to control this, then 65% of the SIR will have high watertables (within 2 meters of the surface) by the year 2020. Should this trend continue it would lead to an agricultural production loss of some $40M per annum by the year 2050.

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Introduction and history

• The Goulburn Murray Landcare Network Inc. (GMLN) was formally incorporated in March 1995, developing from the Watertable Network. 
  
• The number of Landcare Groups (LCGs) in the GMLN has grown to currently 25 member groups. 
  
• The GMLN was the first network in the Goulburn Broken Catchment and among the first in Australia. 

• The original role of the GMLN was essentially the planning and coordination of fund-seeking and the provision of a forum for LCGs to exchange ideas.  The role has expanded, however, as shown below in the list of GMLN Current Aims.

• The GMLN has established a high profile in this catchment, both as the public face of Landcare and as a credible representative for Landcare in the Shepparton Irrigation Region.

• Most importantly, LCGs within the GMLN have the benefit of regional planning while retaining their autonomy and their control of local community action. 
  
• All of this encourages an increase of Landcare practices and on ground works within the Shepparton Irrigation Region (SIR), and the implementation of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) natural resource management strategies. 

GMLN's current aims

• To support individual Landcare groups 
  
• To provide a forum for Landcare groups to exchange ideas and experiences 
  
• To publicise and promote Landcare's role in sustainable land use
  
• To attract business and industry support  

• To develop links with government agencies, local government, schools, tertiary institutions, urban communities and other groups as appropriate 

• To ensure a high profile for Landcare priorities and issues at the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and it's committees 

• To encourage and assist Landcare projects and submissions for funding 
  
• To co-ordinate and maximise the use of all resources (people, equipment, information, etc.) 
  
• To encourage researchers and Landcare groups in research partnerships 

The GMLN works closely with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA), Local Government (City of Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire Council and the Shire of Campaspe), schools and Landcare groups to achieve sustainable land management within the Shepparton Irrigation Region (SIR).

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Challenges for the future

• To be firmly community based. 

• To maintain cooperative, productive links with authorities and agencies that will ensure a sustainable future for the region. 

• To build on strengths and identify weakness. 

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