The origins of QWaLC began with a significant turning point in Queensland’s history of natural resource management. In August 2003, the Landcare & Catchment Management Council (LCMC) was closed after it became clear that fulfilling two conflicting roles—as both an advisory body to the Minister for Natural Resources & Mines and the peak body for landcare and catchment management—had become unsustainable. This transition was underscored by a statewide survey of NRM volunteers conducted by the LCMC in 2003, which revealed a powerful community desire for a genuinely representative organisation to champion the volunteer movement in natural resource management.
Heeding this strong direction, the Landcare and Catchment Management Committee recommended the establishment of a new, statewide representative body. By September 2003, a steering committee chaired by Mary-Lou Gittins was formed to guide this vision. Their efforts culminated in the foundation of Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC) as the Peak Body for NRM Volunteers in Queensland, officially established in April 2004 through a Ministerial Directive from the Honourable Stephen Robertson, then Minister for Natural Resources and Mines.
From the outset, QWaLC’s focus has been clear: to advocate for and represent volunteers, promote the Landcare movement, and provide critical resources—including insurance coverage—to support local groups.
In 2004, the Department of Natural Resources, Mines & Energy committed to support community based natural resource management volunteers through QWaLC funding of $200,000 per year for three years from 2004/05, Landcare Insurance coverage post October 2004 and $100,000 for the second round of Community Natural Resource Awareness Activity Grants.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far QWaLC has come! 🌱✨
QWaLC’s journey began by uniting passionate volunteers from regions across Queensland—Cape York and Torres Strait, Murray Darling Basin, Wet Tropics, Burdekin Dry Tropics and Mackay Whitsunday, Desert Channels, South West, Burnett Mary, and Fitzroy Basin.
The very first Board, with legends like Esma Armstrong (Chair), Alan Travers, Glenys Bowtell, Ian Adcock, John Watson, Adrienne Bode, Russell Fry, and Paul Marshall, set the tone for what would become a strong, collaborative community.
QWaLC quickly established itself as the united voice and advocate for natural resource management (NRM) volunteers—bringing together landcare, ICM, coastcare, bushcare, waterwatch, and so many more. Together, we champion the work and needs of grassroots groups, foster connections between volunteers and stakeholders, and keep the spirit of community-driven conservation alive.
The numbers from our 20052006 report still inspire us: supporting over 300 member groups and 16,000 NRM volunteers! 💚
Today, QWaLC continues to empower, connect, and celebrate over 500 member groups and 62,000 NRM volunteers all over Queensland. Here’s to the next chapter in our shared story!
In 2025 we celebrate 21 years! For more information on our 21st Celebrations, August 30, 2025 go to https://qwalc.org.au/qwalc-21st-celebrations/