Landcare NSW has announced a new governance structure which will come into effect from 1 July 2022 resulting in an enhanced democratic and transparent system for the organisation. 

The new structure provides a renewed commitment to governance that continues to place the grassroots Landcarers it represents at the heart of all Landcare NSW does with clear lines of accountability and transparency. 

Over a 20-month period, Landcare NSW consulted widely across the State and has modernised its governance arrangements by approving a new constitution at a Special General Meeting in November of last year.  

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron said: “By staying true to the intent behind forming Landcare NSW in 2007, we have confirmed the purpose of Landcare NSW is to act as a ‘resource advocate’ for local Landcare Groups. 

“Throughout, we have struck a balance between good governance at the State level and providing local Landcare Groups the flexibility they need to deliver bespoke on-ground works,” said Ms Cameron. 

Key features: 

• Landcare NSW will be incorporated as a company-limited-by-guarantee and implement a new Constitution effective 1 July 2022
  
•  An independent skills-based Board will be created with a seat reserved for an Aboriginal representative
• A Governance Charter will be enshrined
• Robust nominations and democratic elections processes will be implemented
• Eleven Regional Bodies with boundaries aligned to those of NSW Local Land Services regional boundaries are being established
• A State Advisory Council will be formed to facilitate information-sharing and coordination between the Regional Bodies (and the grassroots Landcare groups and Networks/Districts they represent) and the Landcare NSW Board
• Terminology used to describe the structure of Landcare in NSW will be clarified to make it more understandable to members and stakeholders.
   

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron said, “I would like to express my appreciation to our Landcarers for joining us on this journey. I believe by reviewing and updating our governance system so it is fit for purpose we will have strengthened Landcare NSW to prepare well for the future.” 

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin said, “The new governance structure and processes will bring renewed organisational clarity to Landcare NSW. Our team has already commenced the work to support the transition and our first Board elections. I very much look forward to engaging with our Board of Directors and State Advisory Council representatives.” 

The new system is coming into effect from 1 July 2022 and there are arrangements district networks and regional bodies will need to undertake to make the transition as smooth as possible. Further information specific to the needs of groups will be sent out in the weeks that follow.   

For further information contact:

Jodie Lovell
Landcare NSW Communications
communication@landcarensw.org.au