Yarram Yarram Landcare Network

The Yarram Yarram Landcare Network (YYLN) is a community-driven environmental organisation established in 1995 in Gippsland. Operating under the umbrella of Landcare Victoria and collaborating with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA), YYLN acts as a regional hub supporting local volunteer groups, primary producers, and community members in environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.

The network encompasses approximately 118,000 hectares in South-East Gippsland. Its diverse footprint stretches across key ecosystems, including:

• Strzelecki Ranges: Cool temperate rainforests and steep upper catchments.
• Gippsland Plains & Rivers: Agricultural land surrounding towns such as Yarram, Alberton, Devon North, and Woodside.
• Coastal Wetlands & Marine Parks: The Ramsar-listed wetlands of Corner Inlet, Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park, Giffard Plain, and along Ninety Mile Beach to Seaspray.

Core Focus Areas

• Biolinks & Habitat Connectivity: Creating wildlife corridors (e.g., habitat restoration for native fauna like koalas and spot-tailed quolls) through revegetation and fencing off remnant bushland.
• Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health: Assisting farmers with rotational grazing trials, soil monitoring, perennial pasture establishment, and erosion/salinity mitigation.
• Weed & Pest Animal Control: Coordinating regional suppression programs targeting invasive weeds (such as ragwort, blackberry, and serrated tussock) and vertebrate pests.
• Waterway Protection: Fencing stock out of rivers and creeks (including the Albert River and Merriman Creek) to protect water quality and bank stability.
• Community Nursery & Seedbank: Propagating thousands of indigenous plants annually from locally collected seeds to supply local restoration projects.

Network Structure & Member Groups

YYLN is governed by a volunteer Board of local community members and supported by professional Landcare facilitators. It acts as an umbrella body for local Landcare groups across the district, including:

• Albert River Landcare Group
• Binginwarri Landcare Group
• Hedley / 9 Mile Creek Landcare Group
• Merriman Creek Landcare Group
• Won Wron / Devon North Landcare Group
• Woodside Landcare Group

Key Services for Landholders

• Grant Funding Facilitation: Assisting private property owners with funding submissions for fencing, shelterbelts, and weed treatment.
• Field Days & Workshops: Hosting local demonstrations on pasture management, soil health, and weed management techniques.
• Technical Advice: Guidance on indigenous plant selection, planting density, and environmental management.