Become a member of Landcare

If you are a resident or property owner in the Southern Otways, we invite you to consider joining one of the four local Landcare groups that together comprise the Southern Otway Landcare Network. Membership of Landcare has many benefits, including access to funding sources to support environmental and land management projects. Many people join Landcare to meet other property owners and share knowledge and skills. Others are simply passionate about the land and environment. Membership fees start from $25.00 a year. The four local Landcare groups within the Southern Otways are:

Hordern Vale Glenaire Landcare Group

The Hordern Vale Glenaire Landcare Group extends from Johanna to Cape Otway. It includes the fertile plains and environmentally significant estuary system of the Aire River and is a mosaic of productive agricultural land and National Park. The Hordern Vale Glenaire Landcare Group is also the home of the Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC) who have been undertaking important research into Tiger Quolls, the die-back of Eucalyptus viminalis and other important environmental issues.

Otway Barham Catchment Landcare Group

The Otway Barham Catchment Landcare Group includes the settlement of Marengo and half of the township of Apollo Bay. Bordered to the west by the Great Otway National Park, the group encompasses the beautiful catchment of the Barham River. The Barham River is a declared Water Supply Catchment and is the domestic water supply catchment for the local community. One of the aims of the Otway Barhan Catchment Landcare Group is to rehabilitate the river “from source to sea”.

Apollo Bay Landcare Group

The Apollo Bay Landcare Group includes the valleys of Skenes Creek and the steep and spectacular Wild Dog. Landcare in the Southern Otways was born in this area, primarily out of a concern to control Ragwort. The Apollo Bay Landcare Group remains a key force in local Landcare with many members having made significant contributions to environmental rehabilitation on their properties. Whilst continuing concern for weed and pest management, the group also has a strong focus on local environmental issues such as monitoring the nests of the endangered Hooded Plover.

Wye to Wongarra Landcare Group

The Wye to Wongarra Landcare Group is the most easterly of our four groups, encompassing the townships of Wye and Kennet River. The group is a diverse mix of productive farmers and part-time residents interested in different options for land management. With spectacular coastal outlooks, the area supports a large number of accommodation businesses as well as agroforestry and niche agriculture such as shiitakes, truffles and high-quality meat production.

Otway Coast Regenerative Farmers Landcare Group

We are a group of local farmers living in the Otway region who are engaged in the production of food, farm, and forest products. We are focused on creating the highest quality produce in a sustainable way that regenerates the land, by using approaches that work with nature, rather than against it, and minimise the use of artificial fertilisers, sprays and additives. We have developed a set of recommended practices through which we aim to improve our soil, our waterways, the health of native flora and fauna, as well as the health and enjoyment of the people who consume our produce. We want our local community to appreciate our high-quality local products and for our local economy to grow and prosper.  We also aim to provide local regenerative farmers with a network of support through membership, educational events, whilst providing an incubator to assist emerging members with their goals and practices for growing ethical, natural farm produce. 

If you would like to join your local Landcare group, please contact the Southern Otway Landcare Network on 5237 6904 or email emma.landcare@soln.org and we can put you in touch with the right person.