The Wodonga Urban Landcare Network (WULN) is spearheading an exciting new initiative to help the region’s landscapes withstand the challenges of a changing climate through smarter planting practices.
Funded by a Victoria Landcare Grant with thanks to the Victorian Government and running until November 2025, this comprehensive project brings together councils, community groups, environmental organisations, and residents to explore practical solutions for creating climate-resilient urban landscapes.
“While our community is well aware of climate change impacts, there’s been a gap in applying the best climate-ready plant selection and planting techniques,” explains Jo Vincent, WULN Network Facilitator. “With new user-friendly tools like ‘Which Plant Where’ and updated local guides now available, this is the perfect time to build our collective knowledge and skills.”
The project will engage key stakeholders through round table discussions, field trips to demonstration sites, presentations to community groups, and comprehensive media coverage. Participants will develop climate-ready planting goals for their organisations and patches, creating lasting commitment to resilient practices.
Major stakeholder groups are already on board, including Wodonga Council, Albury Council, Parklands Albury-Wodonga, Wodonga TAFE, and local Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation as well as WULN’s patch-based Landcare groups, who will also participate through targeted activities designed to spread knowledge throughout the community.
“This isn’t just about selecting different plants,” Vincent emphasises. “We’re looking at everything from long-stem planting techniques to understanding how changing flowering times affect pollinators. It’s about building truly resilient landscapes that support both our community and local biodiversity.”
The project aligns with regional strategies and is expected to positively impact climate resilience locally, making Wodonga a leader in community-driven climate adaptation.