According to a report this has a significant impact on reducing healthcare costs – to the tune of $57 million.
It doesn’t take much
The report has found that health and wellbeing benefits could be felt by engaging in as little as 4 hours of landcare per month. Those areas that felt the greatest benefits, such as a greater connection to community and to the land, found that the more time invested the higher the benefits. However, 43% of respondents said that any engagement with Landcare improved their mental wellbeing.
Landcare is for everyone but younger adults experience more
Landcare is a great outlet for people of all ages but the study showed that younger adults experienced greater benefits that their more mature counterparts. This was largely felt across three main areas - community connection, mental health and physical wellbeing. Landcare also played a vital role as a source of community information.
Some of the highlights
Some key findings in the report include:
- The total Landcare population is approximately 140,000 people
- 90% of those surveyed experienced a stronger connection to their community
- 93% of respondents reported a strong connection to the land
- 58% of people in part-time or casual employment reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
- The economic benefit of landcare (in respect to health benefits, productivity and disaster resilience) is $1,347 per person per year
- Improved productivity for the Landcare population is $97 million
- Although originating in rural areas, Landcare was having its greatest health benefits in urban and coastal areas. It’s a great example of regional areas leading positive change.
What was clear that any involvement in Landcare is a good thing. It’s good for the environment, it’s good for disaster resilience and it’s great for community health. Read the full report here.