News Archives

National Landcare organisations – Time for a refresh

The Council of Landcare NSW has passed a resolution calling for the creation of a single, representative, national peak Landcare organisation that functions through and leverages the strengths of all existing State and Territory Landcare Peak Organisations (STOs).

The NSW Landcare community arrived at this majority view after a four-month consultation process.

At its 12 August 2020 meeting, Council resolved this reform is critical for the future of Landcare in Australia.

Specifically, Council resolved that the following points be conveyed to Landcare Australia Limited (LAL), National Landcare Network (NLN), all counterpart STOs and key Landcare stakeholders and partners.

1. LAL and NLN must immediately resume discussions to form one national Landcare body that represents grassroots Landcarers and provides the range of services needed to support and grow Landcare nationally.

2. This will require open, frank and professional discussion by those in national leadership positions regarding the issues that led to the failed merger and the rebuilding of trust to allow a meeting of the minds regarding the way forward.

3. A realistic timeframe for completion of the process must be set, albeit noting the urgency of the issue, and a formal process undertaken and resourced, with the requisite expertise.

4. The single merged national body must:
a. Bring together the strengths and competencies of the NLN (representation, advocacy, policy) and LAL (marketing, communications, fundraising, corporate relationships);
b. Have a federated representative structure that works through (and not around) each of the eight STOs to ensure Landcare community’s ‘bottom up’ ethos is preserved;
c. Must not include other environmental organisations, corporates nor other entities or individuals that are not deemed to be ‘Landcare’, as voting members of the new national body. Membership must be preserved for the eight STOs and independent board members of LAL;
d. Through a competitive and transparent recruitment process, must seek a leadership and management team that has the requisite skills and experience to lead and rejuvenate the Landcare movement nationally.

Council concluded: ‘As representatives of thousands of Landcare organisations, groups and individuals in NSW, we believe this reform is essential for the future of Landcare in Australia and request it be implemented with due care, responsibility and cooperation as a matter of urgency.’

130 Trees planted for Kurrajong koalas

Greater Sydney Landcare Network today planted 130 trees in Kurrajong which will provide an important habitat corridor for a genetically distinct population of koalas.

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit was joined by Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston and a group of 20 volunteers on Saturday 22 August, to plant 130 trees in Kurrajong Hills as part of the Government’s initiative to green Greater Sydney by planting one million trees over the next two years.

The planting is part of the Creating Canopies project being delivered in partnership with Landcare NSW. Funding for the project is provided by the NSW Government as part of the program to expand the city’s green canopy cover across Greater Sydney, with a focus on Western Sydney.

“This site is an important habitat corridor for the koala population in Kurrajong and we’ll be helping these creatures to thrive by restoring the koala corridor, planting their food tree species and removing weeds,” Ms Preston said.

“Greening our neighbourhoods and backyards is integral to our community’s health and wellbeing and the protection and resilience of our native plants and animals.

“More tree canopy means more shade, cooler suburbs and habitats for our beautiful wildlife.

“That’s why the NSW Government has teamed up with Landcare NSW and invested $2.1 million to plant 100,000 new trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 to expand the city’s green canopy.”

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit said the project will help support the development of green spaces across Greater Sydney.

“With the support of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network, we will be planting 100,000 trees across Greater Sydney from 2020 – 2022. This will help grow native canopy to cool our city with Landcarers helping landowners and community members participate in tree planting activities,” said Dr Zammit.

“We will bring the skills and dedication of our extensive networks to help meet these ambitious goals. The expertise of Landcarers will be important in ensuring that appropriate sites are chosen, landholders are provided with correct advice on tree choice and long-term maintenance, and trees are planted with the best chance of surviving.

“We will work directly with landowners and local native nurseries in identifying the most appropriate tree species to be planted for each site.”

Creating Canopies in Greater Sydney is looking for Landcarers and landholders from across the region interested in participating in tree planting activities and creating future canopies.

Landcarers and landholders interested in registering their site for trees can email trees@greatersydnelandcare.org or call (02) 4724 2147.

To date, more than 300,000 trees have been planted across Greater Sydney as part of the Greening our City program to increase tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney by planting one million trees by 2022.

*Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, Robyn Preston MP member for Hawkesbury and landowner Chris Keen.*

MEDIA:

Jodie Lovell Landcare NSW | 0439 316 151

Landcare NSW will work with the Greater Sydney Landcare Network to deliver the planting of 100,000 trees with a focus on Western Sydney by 2022.

The Coordinator Activity Tracker

The Coordinator Activity Tracker – Changing the way Landcare Coordinators count the numbers that matter!

This month the NSW Landcare Program launched the Coordinator Activity Tracker. A revolution in how Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators capture and communicate data about the activities they deliver in our Landcare Communities.

Imagine having the power in your hands to capture data about the local activities your delivering, now imagine that data automatically coming together real time with the data of over 80 other Coordinators from right across NSW to tell the story of Landcare.

The Coordinator Activity Tracker delivers just that to our network of Coordinators. It records data on all the widgets, indicators and measures most captured by Landcare and importantly, most commonly required by funding bodies. This breaks the “black box” of reporting, where data so commonly only goes in and doesn’t come back out. The Tracker will not only provide the capacity for Landcare and Local Land Services to champion the efforts of Landcare at the state level but will provide a database that all Local and Regional Coordinators can access to use for reporting, funding applications and communications.

Collecting local data has always been a massive challenge for Landcare, bringing that data together from across the state to form a common picture of the impact the Coordinator network is having has seemed impossible… until now.

For more information on the Coordinator Activity Tracker, reach out to your Local or Regional Landcare Coordinator.

The Coordinator Activity Tracker is an initiative of the NSW Landcare Program, a collaboration between Landcare NSW and Local Land Services.

Polls shows 86% of NSW residents support conservation jobs plan

A new poll has found 86% of NSW residents strongly support Federal Government investment in a Land Management and Conservation Jobs Plan to stimulate the economy.

Out of 12 options the Federal Government could choose to restore employment in regional communities, investment in practical environmental jobs like planting trees, removing weeds and restoring rivers came out on top for NSW residents.

The polling, commissioned by the National Landcare Network, found three quarters (77%) of NSW residents are concerned about the health of the country’s forests, rivers and wildlife, with a similar number (78%) agreeing that economic stimulus funding should be used to help communities and the environment recover from the bushfires and drought.

“This research shows people want to see government investment to create jobs and stimulate the economy while helping our landscapes recover,” said Dr Adrian Zammit, CEO of Landcare NSW.

“With thousands of Australians looking for work, the Government needs to be proactive in job-creation schemes and collaborate with Landcare organisations who know their local landscapes and are ready to create meaningful work that will leave a lasting legacy for the environment which has been severely impacted by fires and drought,” he said.

The polling comes off the back of data showing that there has been a 134% increase in people actively looking for work through the Federal Government’s JobActive program over the first six months of 2020. There were 1.4 million people looking for work in the second quarter of 2020, which is an increase of 821,000 people compared to the final quarter of 2019.

Funding practical environmental work came in as the second most popular (75% support) out of 12 options for keeping people in regional communities employed, second only to increasing funding for training and apprenticeships (78%).

More than 70 conservation and farming organisations, including Landcare, National Farmers Federation, NRM Regions Australia, Australian Land Conservation Alliance, and Pew Charitable Trusts, are calling on state and federal governments to fund thousands of jobs undertaking practical conservation activities.

A recent report by Ernst & Young, commissioned by the alliance, found that a $4 billion national conservation and land management employment program would create 53,000 jobs, reduce welfare costs by $620 million and raise economic output by $5.7 billion over the next four years, with economic gains rising to $9.3 billion over the next 20 years.

National Landcare Network CEO Jim Adams said the polling indicated broad support nationwide.

“Australians are overwhelmingly supportive of COVID-recovery initiatives that can keep people in work while also helping damaged landscapes recover,” he said

“They see that practical initiatives to help plant trees, restore degraded river systems and eradicate noxious weeds and feral animals are an ideal way to help improve our landscapes while also ensuring communities survive this tough period.”

“Landcare has a 30-year track record of managing projects and partnerships on the ground to support agriculture and conservation, building community spirit in the process. As a grassroots community movement that is well-governed with high professional standards it is a reliable and cost-effective option for government expenditure,” said Dr Zammit.

A program summary can be found here See program summary here.

A summary of the polling results can be found here.

Landcare NSW awards 100% of drought and bushfire relief donations to Landcare groups

Landcare NSW has awarded 100% of its funds from the 2019/2020 drought and bushfire fundraising appeal to its Landcare NSW member groups.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit said the funding will help support Landcare groups re-establish projects and sites that have been affected by drought and bushfires.

“It is so important to support our NSW Landcare community through these times. With tens of millions of dollars of damage and loss this is just one small way we are supporting our communities back to recovery.”

“The projects funded are as diverse as the affected landscapes, and range from education, re-vegetation projects to animal habitats.

“The re-vegetation projects stretch from the south coast to western NSW highlighting the widespread impact these extreme natural disasters have had on all Landcare community projects.”

The Fund was made possible thanks to generous donations received from private donors from NSW and around the world in response to the devastating natural events experienced in the last 12 months.

“We would like to thank everyone for their contributions. The financial support received through donations from our Landcare NSW community and abroad means we can support member Landcare groups on the ground to have a direct impact on rebuilding and repairing these valuable existing projects, said Dr Zammit.

Projects include management of invasive weeds, erosion control and protection of our waterways, native seed collection and restoration and re-establishment of Landcare nurseries.

“The stories from our community’s struggles are devastating, with fire-affected communities sharing that up to 90% of their understory canopy has been lost along with their natural seed banks. It will be a long road to recovery for all our communities affected, but this funding is an opportunity to start this process and support one another during this time.”

“Landcare NSW’s mission is to provide resources to empower Landcarers in NSW to have all that they need to care for our land, environment and communities, and this is just one way we are delivering on our mission.”

Projects funded are as below:

Continue reading “Landcare NSW awards 100% of drought and bushfire relief donations to Landcare groups”

A CELEBRATION OF COLLABORATION

A CELEBRATION OF COLLABORATION

Celebrating year one of the NSW Landcare Program in Landcare Week.

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are celebrating Landcare Week, 3-9 August, and marking the first anniversary of the NSW Landcare Program, a true collaboration between the NSW Government, Landcare NSW and the 60,000 volunteers who care for our landscapes.

Local Land Services Chair Richard Bull said the four-year, $22.4 million program has generated a huge opportunity to support well connected, sustainable and productive communities, and has been a phenomenal success in its first year.

“Despite drought, fire, floods and a pandemic our Landcare volunteers and coordinators have shown their dedication and continue to deliver for our farms, our environment and our future,” he said.

The innovative co-design, co-governance and co-delivery model of the program means that NSW Local Land Services and Landcare NSW continue to be active across all corners and land tenures, from Broken Hill to Bellingen and everywhere in between.

“In North Western NSW alone, there are an estimated 1,080 Landcare projects underway- that’s an enormous achievement in these challenging conditions and a testament to the network of Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators and our local LLS staff,” Mr Bull said.

The program supports high quality regional jobs by employing 12 Regional Landcare Coordinators and 72 part-time Local Landcare Coordinators who have assisted more than 1,300 active volunteers over the past year alone.

Chair of Landcare NSW, Stephanie Cameron, said she was proud to lead a Landcare team who continually shows resilience, adaptability and purpose for the benefit of their communities.

“The NSW Landcare Program demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work together with a shared purpose of protecting our environment and agricultural resources.”

“Whether it’s planting trees to support threatened species, practising regenerative agriculture, taking part in cultural burns or working in urban Landcare, this partnership is empowering Landcarers to take positive action for our future,” Ms Cameron said.

Mr Bull said a shared vision was essential to the success of the program, and Landcare Week is the perfect time to celebrate and congratulate Landcarers who work all year round, not just during Landcare Week.

The success of this program lies in its people and the can-do attitude of this partnership.”

Ms Cameron said Landcare is for everyone.

“Landcare is about collaboration in learning, community and social connection which enables change towards more sustainable practices.”

“Everyone from farmers and fishers to citizen scientists can get involved and make a difference not just for the health of the land, but for the health of their community.”

For more information contact: (Jodie/Samantha)

Case studies available to media

The following case studies represent the diversity of work undertaken by Landcare groups.

Landcare Week 3 – 9 August 2020

Get connected with the environment in your local community.

Landcare Week celebrates and acknowledges the thousands of Landcare groups, networks, coordinators, other environmental care groups, and volunteers working on conservation and sustainable land management activities in their local area. You may wish to mark the week by inviting your local Member of Parliament to join the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL). To do this, download a template letter here and please attach the PFL application form.

This year National Landcare Week will run from August 3 to 9 and celebrates the strength of Landcare and its ability to support the needs of a diverse community and respond to issues, such as drought and bush fires.

Connecting with nature improves your mental and connection to place. Landcare is about the partnerships created by local communities to restore and protect their local environment.

To be able to do this Landcare often partners with a range of groups, government agencies and non-profit organisations.

In 2019 Landcare NSW continued its partnership with the NSW Local Land Services to deliver the new NSW Landcare Program.

The program aims to improve the health of our environment and natural resources through greater participation in Landcare activities.

As part of the program, 72 part-time local coordinators and 12 regional coordinators across NSW are employed to support Landcare initiatives from grass roots activities to regional scale activities.

You can support your local group activities and meet other people who have a shared vision for conservation and sustainable land management. No matter where you live there is a group near you managing a local environmental issue. Find your local Landcare group here.

REPRESENT YOUR REGION ON THE LANDCARE NSW COUNCIL

The Landcare NSW Council plays a key role in guiding the strategic direction of Landcare in NSW and the work of Landcare NSW.

Now is the time to start considering who will represent your region.

All Landcare regions will soon receive a Council Representative Endorsement pack via email which will guide you through the endorsement process.

If you are interested in representing your region, are part of a Member Group of Landcare NSW and part of your regional network, you are eligible to be nominated as the regional representative. But please note this decision will be made at a regional network level.

WHO IS THE LANDCARE NSW COUNCIL?

Members of the Landcare NSW Council are endorsed regional representatives from each Landcare region in NSW. Councillors act as the conduit between local Landcare Groups and Landcare NSW, ensuring that the work and strategic direction of Landcare NSW are aligned with the needs of the NSW Landcare community. You can find out who is part of your regional representation here.

WHY REPRESENT YOUR REGION ON LANDCARE NSW COUNCIL?

Landcare NSW Council guide the direction of Landcare NSW and Landcare in NSW. By becoming part of the Landcare NSW Council you can help shape the future of Landcare NSW and Landcare in NSW.

You can have a direct say in our strategies by being part of the Landcare NSW Council and be one of the many voices that guides us into the future.

You can also vote at our Annual General Meeting and meet like-minded members at special events.

Council meet quarterly and each Landcare regional network has an elected representative.

WHAT ARE THE REGIONS CURRENTLY ON THE COUNCIL?

Central Tablelands Landcare Network

Central West Natural Resource Management Working Group

Greater Sydney Landcare Network

Hunter Regional Landcare Network

LachLandcare

Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection

Murrumbidgee Landcare

Murray Region Landcare Collective

North Coast Regional Landcare Network

New England North West Landcare

South East Landcare

Western Landcare

NSW Landcare Program Update – July

The NSW Landcare Program is moving towards online delivery for the remainder of the year.

As Landcarers know, there is nothing better than getting together to hear of accomplishments, debate ways forward, design new projects and just celebrate being in Landcare with people who care about our land and its future. Sadly, this avenue of face to face options has diminished as we continue to work with COVID-19 restrictions. We will not be able to hold a State-wide Gathering for our Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators and Host Organisation members this calendar year.

The NSW Landcare Program Team under the guidance of Landcare NSW and Local Land Services will instead deliver an online series of webinars, chats and innovative live broadcasts to help answer questions and guide Landcare support activities in NSW for the remaining of 2020.

To help plan activities a calendar of webinars will be released August 2020. The online events will pick up on the themes that were planned for the Gathering, but have also have drawn on the core skills survey, feedback from other webinars and the Community of Practice planning to ensure both content and delivery is in tune with direct needs. They will be recorded and will be available online, to Local and Regional Coordinators as well as Host Organisations, through our information and communications systems such as Gateway. We are aware that many Landcarers will already be engaging in other events on line and the calendar is to help with planning.

Our plan is to make them innovative, informative, fun, engaging and stimulating…Always up for a challenge!

Look out for the online webinar calendar soon with further updates of the NSW Landcare Program’s successful first year and snapshots of what the Landcare community is up to across the state.

Landcare NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2022

I am pleased to present the Landcare NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2022 which has been developed in consultation with the NSW Landcare community with input and guidance from Landcare NSW Musters, Landcare NSW Council, Executive Committee and staff.

Landcare is a grassroots, iconic Australian institution that works endlessly to improve the health of our environment, farms and communities, delivering well over $500 million a year in triple bottom line benefits to NSW.

Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW, representing the interests of around 60,000 Landcarers and approximately 3,000 Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare, Dunecare, Rivercare and other ‘care’ groups.

The Landcare community’s passion, knowledge, dedication and effort underpins the Landcare movement’s unique value proposition, which in turn provides the building blocks and impetus for Landcare NSW’s continued growth and development.

I believe Landcare NSW has an exciting future.

This strategy is focused on the priorities of the State body but recognises that the purpose and guiding mission of Landcare NSW is to deliver what community Landcare needs in NSW.

Make no mistake – everything that is included in this strategic plan is for the benefit of the Landcare community. Landcare NSW is an enabler for Landcare groups in NSW to grow and prosper, to acquire the skills and resources they need to do the work on the ground.

The strategy is about evolution, innovation, collaboration, partnerships and growth. Building on Landcare’s 30-year history, heritage and track record of delivery, Landcare NSW has set out clear priorities that will deliver the resources and services the Landcare community needs to ensure a thriving future for the Landcare movement in NSW.

We hope you enjoy reading about the future direction of Landcare NSW. Please feel free to contact us with questions, feedback and comments: administration@landcarensw.org.au

Yours sincerely,

Dr Adrian Zammit | CEO
Landcare NSW Inc.

Landcare NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2022