Parliamentary Friends of Landcare 2024: ’Trees in the House’ Event Case Studies

Landcare NSW is proud to host the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) ‘Trees in the House’ 2024 event, presenting case studies that highlight Landcare NSW’s community-led approach to natural resource management and its inclusive motto, “Landcare is for Everyone”.

Established in 2015, the PFL provides a unique platform for NSW Members of Parliament from all parties to connect with and support Landcare initiatives across both urban and rural areas. Landcare NSW, as the peak representative body, focuses on fostering sustainable farming, environmental conservation, and stronger communities, underscoring its role in building a resilient and sustainable future for the state.

Fire Ant Workshop

Granite Borders Landcare Committee hosted a fire ant biosecurity workshop in Tenterfield to address the increasing threat of fire ant infestations spreading from South East Queensland into New South Wales.

With expert guidance from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the New England Weeds Authority, locals learned about fire ant ecology, infestation indicators, and risk mitigation strategies. Participants developed property biosecurity management plans, received biosecurity signs, and engaged in hands-on training, including a demonstration by a canine detection unit.

The success of the workshop, which fostered community awareness and inter-agency collaboration, led Tenterfield Shire Council to request future workshops to strengthen biosecurity efforts in the region.

Presenter: Granite Borders Landcare Committee

Engaging Gumbaynggirr Youth – South Grafton Dunggirr (Koalas)

Clarence Landcare collaborated with local primary schools in South Grafton to engage Gumbaynggirr youth in koala conservation and environmental awareness.

Supported by the NSW Koala Strategy through Envite Environment, the project brought together Aboriginal students from Gillwinga and St Josephs schools – both of which regularly have koalas on their grounds – for a cultural and educational event.

With guidance from Aboriginal Landcare Officer Michael Kennedy, the students participated in a Welcome to Country, listened to koala songline stories, and enjoyed interactive presentations about koalas and Landcare. The day included hands-on outdoor activities where students learned to identify koala food trees and planted their own, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting their local environment.

The students’ enthusiasm and interest in joining a Junior Ranger Koala Team underscored the event’s success in inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.

Presenter: Michael Kennedy, Aboriginal Landcare Officer, Landcare NSW

OzFish & Landcare NSW Collaboration

Landcare NSW and OzFish have partnered on 100 projects across the state to address the critical ecological issues facing NSW waterways, such as declining fish populations, riverbank degradation, and habitat loss.

By uniting recreational fishers and Landcare groups, these projects promote hands-on community involvement in fish habitat restoration, including planting native trees and installing in-stream habitats. The initiative has mobilised thousands of volunteers, strengthening local ties to the environment and showcasing how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful environmental conservation.

This partnership model exemplifies how empowered communities can safeguard NSW’s waterways and promote ecological sustainability for future generations.

Presenter: Ryan Lungu, Program Manager, OzFish Unlimited

Soil Ya Undies

The ‘Soil Ya Undies’ activity, part of the Western Landcare School Education Program, educates primary students in Western NSW about soil health by engaging them in hands-on learning.

Inspired by work from Oliver Knox at the University of New England, the program involves burying cotton and synthetic underwear in school grounds to observe how soil affects decomposition over six weeks.

Supported by worksheets on soil types and fibre composition, the activity encourages students to discuss soil’s role in sustainable agriculture, food production, and environmental health. This fun, practical approach fosters early understanding of the vital connection between soil health and agricultural productivity.

Presenters: Associate Professor Oliver Knox, University of New England, and Vanessa Anderson, Local Landcare Coordinator Schools & Junior Landcare, Western Landcare NSW

WildVenture Landcare for Young Adults

WildVenture is a program in Greater Sydney that creates flexible, social events aimed at engaging young people in environmental restoration and building a community connected to nature.

Responding to challenges like eco-anxiety, digital isolation, and the difficulty young people face in finding supportive networks and accessible volunteer opportunities, WildVenture offers low-commitment events that allow young adults to participate in activities like citizen science, bushcare, and tree planting.

Over the past seven months, WildVenture has hosted eight events with around 100 young volunteers, fostering friendships and encouraging recurring involvement. To expand its impact, WildVenture seeks funding to increase event coverage across the Greater Sydney Basin, provide more restoration opportunities, and improve transport options, aiming to grow a vibrant environmental community for Sydney’s youth.

Presenter: Sophie Blair, Local Coordinator, Greater Sydney Landcare

Celebrating 25 Years of Landcare Illawarra

A Night of Connection & Reflection

Landcare Illawarra recently celebrated their 25th birthday. Like many 25-year-olds, Landcare Illawarra seemed confident, skilled, and somewhat mature…yet youthful. The celebration was held on a mild October evening at Curry’s Mountain Estate, a beautiful location and great supporter of Landcare in the Illawarra.

Attending this event was not just a trip down memory lane, reconnecting with volunteers, committee members and coordinators (past and present), it was also a reminder of the creative, resourceful and generous nature of Landcare.

The celebration included an outdoors AGM, live music, great food, a guided tour, and a photo display celebrating and remembering those who have been a part of Landcare Illawarra, including several wonderful souls who have since passed. One such soul was Mike Swanson, who exemplified the Landcare volunteer who just keeps on giving. Mike was Treasurer for Tullimbah Landcare, Landcare Illawarra, and South East Landcare, bringing commitment, patience and expertise to each of these roles.

Coordinators

In 1999, Landcare Illawarra was established, and with this their first coordinator was engaged. Alasdair Stratton was fresh-faced and eager, working with the four established Landcare groups and the Landcare Illawarra committee. Coordinators have long been a part of the Landcare infrastructure and tapestry, and play a critical role in the success of groups and networks. After 12 months in the role, Landcare Illawarra had 14 member groups spread across the Illawarra between the coast and the escarpment.

Another of Landcare Illawarra’s Coordinators, Megan Lee (previously Rowlatt), was passionate about bringing young people into Landcare, leading her to connect with Naomi Edwards from Queensland to start up a national youth-focused Landcare organisation called Intrepid Landcare (now 10 years old). The flow on effect from having secure and well supported Coordinators cannot be underestimated.

Science and Practice Leader

I was also reminded of the places where Landcare is a leader.  Richard Scarborough and Anders Bofeldt will long be remembered for their passion and dedication to the woodlands and rainforests of the Illawarra, and their relentless pursuit of getting the right plant in the right place.

The Illawarra Woodlands and Rainforest Project targeted threatened ecological communities and outcomes for ecosystem integrity and restoration, anticipating changes with climate and site-specific succession. There are many plants and multi-purpose plantings across the Illawarra that are a direct result of the work from this project.

Partnerships

Stories were told from the time when Conservation Volunteers Australia were a key partner for Landcare Illawarra, offering the hosting arrangements for coordinators and providing a continuous supply of conservation volunteers to sites across the Illawarra.

Thank you Landcare Illawarra, for all the work, for a lovely evening, and for the trip down memory lane.

 

– Peter Pigott, NSW Landcare Program Community of Practice and Events Coordinator, Landcare NSW

Images via Landcare Illawarra and Landcare NSW

2024 Landcare NSW Annual General Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

The Annual General Meeting is an important event for Landcare NSW. Both the Chair’s Report and the audited Financial Report will be accessible to members prior to the meeting through this Governance link.

All business that will be conducted during the Annual General Meeting will be outlined in an agenda made available prior to the meeting.

Details regarding the Annual General Meeting are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 20th November 2024
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Location: Meeting will be a Hybrid*, with an in-person location in Sydney and online via Zoom.

*Meeting specifics will be shared upon Registration. Note attending in-person has limited capacity.

PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND:
Please ensure you register your intent to attend here, registration closes Friday 8th November 2024.

________________________________________
Lynette Thomson
Secretary

Creating Canopies’ 200,000th Tree Planting

Landcare NSW was thrilled to join Greater Sydney Landcare, Greg Warren MP Member for Campbelltown, LNSW Board Member Steve Bunnell, and our wonderful volunteers to help plant the 200,000th tree of the Creating Canopies project since its inception in 2020.

The planting celebration took place at Campbelltown Hospital in September next to a hillside location where previous plantings were now thriving.

Creating Canopies aims to plant 300,000 native trees and shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025.

Funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, this project targets Local Government Areas of Sydney with less than 30% canopy cover.

By planting native trees and shrubs, we’re not only providing shade and cooling, but also connecting habitat corridors and improving the quality of life for all residents.

If you would like to join an upcoming planting, please visit Greater Sydney Landcare’s website.


All photos by Greater Sydney Landcare.

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are committed to connecting people to the environment and supporting their efforts to protect, restore, and improve it. Creating Canopies is funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, aiming to reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney.

Image at top: Greg Warren MP Member for Campbelltown at the Creating Canopies’ 200,000th Tree Planting

Greater Sydney Landcare staff getting ready for the planting at Campbelltown Hospital

Volunteers planting at Campbelltown Hospital with Creating Canopies

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

LANDCARE NSW: AMPLIFYING REGIONAL VOICES FOR EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY

As the CEO of Landcare NSW, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of our diverse regions resonate powerfully in our advocacy efforts with government and parliament.

Our recent State Advisory Council (SAC) meeting in August provided a wealth of insights into the unique challenges and priorities of each region, which will shape our strategies and guide policymakers on what Landcare in NSW needs to thrive.

Key themes emerging from these discussions include supporting the growth of volunteers, recruiting new coordinators, addressing the increasing administrative burden of grants, and fostering strong partnerships with the NSW Government.

Here are some of the key concerns and aspirations from across our vibrant communities which I gleaned from the SAC meeting, and I think will be helpful for our readers to hear.

The South East region aims to solidify the current Landcare Enabling Program by launching a regional training program that champions personal development and fosters collaboration among the 14 networks. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills of coordinators and strengthen bonds between networks, thereby boosting the overall effectiveness of Landcare activities.

In the Central Tablelands, the top priority is to streamline the roles of the Regional Landcare Coordinator (RLC) and the Regional Administration Support Officer (RASO) to reduce the administrative burden on local coordinators. By clearly defining these roles, we can ensure local networks receive consistent and meaningful support. Additionally, the region highlights the importance of securing diverse funding sources to maintain long-term sustainability.

Greater Sydney is focused on enhancing visibility and capacity through events like the biennial Greater Sydney Gathering and improved reporting mechanisms for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (LEP). They are also working on expanding networks in areas without Local Landcare Coordinators (LLCs) and exploring corporate engagement and fee-for-service opportunities to fund their dynamic activities.

The Hunter & Mid Coast regions are prioritising rainforest preservation and restoration, boosting engagement with schools and local councils, and improving regional communications to raise the profile of Landcare activities.

The Murray region is developing strategic directions, ensuring robust communication across districts, and building strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance project delivery capacity.

In Murrumbidgee, the focus is on fostering relationships between First Nations People and farmers, securing funding for large on-ground works, and zeroing in on carbon and natural capital projects.

The New England region is centred on resilience, disaster preparedness, and strong partnerships with local government and schools, while the North Coast region is navigating the complexities of the Landcare Enabling Program and engaging local communities through various vibrant events.

The North West is promoting volunteerism growth, natural capital, carbon markets, and strategic planning, and the Western region is focusing on emerging partnerships, staff recruitment, and leveraging social media to raise the profile of their activities. 

Advocacy for Support of Landcare in NSW

 

The insights from the recent SAC meeting underscore the pressing need for targeted support and funding to address the specific challenges and priorities of each region.

As we continue to advocate for Landcare in NSW, it is vital that government and parliament understand the diverse needs of our regions.

From securing long-term funding to enhancing training programs and building strategic partnerships, these efforts are important for the sustainability and growth of Landcare across the state.

Additional Important Areas of Advocacy

I am also hearing that the following matters are also important that Landcare regions want advocacy on: 

  • Building on NSW Government Investment of Landcare LEP 3 (2023-2027): Emphasise the need for additional funds to support on-the-ground projects and highlight the potential of the established 126 Landcare coordinators. We must also work to get Landcare in front of other government agencies so we are seen as a greater resource for government in solving state NRM and related problems. 
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER or MERI): Stress the need for robust MERI systems to track project progress and effectiveness, highlighting the role of MERI in securing ongoing funding and support. We need to be more effective in telling the story of our impact across the state. 
  • Multiple Benefits (Not Single or Co-benefits): Promote a holistic approach to environmental projects to achieve multiple benefits and highlight the efficiency and value of integrated solutions. This is particularly relevant in the emerging area of natural capital.  
  • Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness: Broaden the focus (of Landcare in NSW) to include environmental biosecurity alongside agricultural biosecurity, emphasising the importance of protecting natural ecosystems from invasive species and diseases. This focus is not just limited to biosecurity but also includes disaster preparedness and potentially other areas yet to be defined. 
  • Funding Stability and Administration: Advocate for longer-term grants to provide stability and allow for comprehensive project planning and implementation, addressing the challenges faced by Landcare groups with short-term funding cycles, and emphasising the need for certainty. Additionally, regions are concerned about the administrative burden and the potential loss of staff. 

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin and Project Manager Katie Caldwell meeting with Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

CALL TO ACTION


With only 20 months before Landcare NSW needs to present a strategic business case articulating our case for another government-funded program (i.e. for the period post 2027), we are turning our minds to getting prepared for that period.

We have much to do now to demonstrate to our main funder what we have achieved. I want to hear from all regions and networks on all the issues where you expect to see a better partnership with Local Land Services (LLS) and our other government partners.

Your feedback is essential to ensure we are addressing the most pressing concerns and working together effectively to achieve our shared goals.

Let’s continue to strengthen our collective voice and build a more resilient, sustainable, and thriving Landcare community. 

Turlough Guerin CEO, Landcare NSW 

The Conservation Chronicles

Conservation Chronicles

– Melanie Tyas, Landcare NSW State Community of Practice Manager

We are off to a flying start with our Lunch and Learn series with two sessions now under our belts. During session two we heard from Steven Fleischmann Local Landcare Coordinator with Lithgow Oberon Landcare Association. Steven is hosted at Lithgow Council where he’s been working to protect critically endangered swamps by treating stormwater using natural solutions at the source.

His projects see stormwater slowed by installing large rocks where the pipes discharge. This stops scouring and creates habitat for native creatures such as frogs and crayfish. It also ensures that sediment and other urban byproducts, such as dog poo are captured before they have a chance to hit the wetlands.

As well as creating habitat, these innovative solutions are far cheaper than typical engineering options such as GPTs. Despite being Steve’s initiative, he’s quick to point out that the project is a group effort – with council, volunteers, Landcarers and local community all playing a part.

However there’s still some work to be done as these sediment ponds require maintenance and whilst it’s minimal, Steve’s eager to find a solution to deal with the sludge that will need to be dug out. Like most of our projects, it’s a work in progress.

Stay tuned for session three, where we will learn to prepare media releases for newspaper and radio with new Broken Hill Local Landcare Coordinator and former journalist, Melanie Gates. Melanie attended the last session and arrived a tad early.

It didn’t take long to unearth her talents and rope her in to presenting at the next session. Thanks Mel and her host Simon for being so accommodating. With Mel’s expertise, we’re poised to unleash our creative flair as we captivate the media with our newfound writing prowess. Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter in our journey.

Stormwater drainage works

Banjo Frog

The Conservation Chronicles

Lunch and Learn is on its way…

– Melanie Tyas, Landcare NSW Regional Community of Practice Coordinator

Now that the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP) has been announced, we are leaping into the Lunch and Learn Series. These lunch sessions are open to our members, LEP participants and relevant stakeholders.

Our aim is to create an environment where we come together and learn from each other. There is so much untapped talent in the Landcare ranks and this is a great opportunity to shine a light on the amazing work that is happening on the ground, the partnerships that have been forged and the tools that are available that help us be more effective, efficient and connected.

Late last year we looked at the case studies on NSW Landcare Gateway website and chose a few that may resonate across the board. Coordinators were then contacted to gauge interest on whether they would participate in the program and as a result we are in the process of determining dates. We will spread the sessions across the week to ensure that everyone has a chance to get involved. They will also be recorded and uploaded to Gateway for those who can’t make it.

Here’s a sneak preview of what will be on offer:

Title: Conservation Chronicles: NSW Landcare Success Stories (2019-2023)

“Collaborative Council Engagements”

  • Presenter: Henrietta Mooney (RLC Hunter Regional Landcare)
  • Details on how 9 regional councils united to discuss Landcare and foster collaboration.
  • Sponsorship and support from HRLCN.

“Soil Health Benchmarking with Green Triangle Farmers”

  • Presenter: Shelly McDouall (LLC Northern Slopes Landcare Association)
  • Insights from a regeneration farm project involving eight farms in the Northern Slopes.
  • Integration of grazing components for holistic soil health.

“Volunteer Engagement Post COVID”

  • Presenter: Ninna Douglas (LLC Tamworth Regional Landcare Association)
  • Strategies employed by North West Landcarers for volunteer engagement post-pandemic.
  • Transitioning from physical meetings to virtual platforms and its impact on membership.

“Natural Solutions Stormwater Project”

  • Presenter: Steven Fleischmann (LLC Lithgow Oberon Landcare Association)
  • Challenges and successes of a multi-year stormwater project in collaboration with LOLA, CT LLS, Lithgow City Council, and Blue Mountains City Council.

“River Health Festival”

  • Presenter: Emma Stone (LLC Border Ranges – Richmond Valley Landcare)
  • Responding to flood-induced setbacks with the Upper Richmond River Festival.
  • Overview of events and workshops to boost community morale.

“Rural Women’s Gathering and Farmers’ Mental Health”

  • Presenter: Christine Davis (LLC Glenrac)
  • A retrospective on the Rural Women’s Gatherings and their impact on regional women empowerment.
  • Collaboration efforts to support farmers’ mental health.

“Saving a Scar Tree”

  • Presenter: Terry Moody (LLC Upper Clarence Combined Landcare)
  • Narration of efforts to rescue and repurpose an Aboriginal Scar Tree following a fire incident.

“Seed Saving for Rainforest Rehabilitation”

  • Presenter: Mel Craig (LLC Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare)
  • Lessons from seed-saving initiatives for rainforest rehabilitation, including collaboration with transportation projects.

“Gumbaynggirr Koala Project”

  • Presenter: Debbie Repschlager and Michael Kennedy (LLC Clarence Landcare Inc and Aboriginal Engagement Officer, North Coast Regional Landcare)
  • Engaging local primary schools in the Gumbaynggirr Dunggirr project, emphasizing junior Koala Rangers’ role.

“Mycology May Art Exhibition”

  • Presenter: Trudi Refshauge (LLC Midlachlan Landcare)
  • Insights into the Mycology May art exhibition, and its intersection with drug and rehab programs, as well as local wine cellars.

“Blake Botanic Reserve Refurbishment”

  • Presenter: Janet Manzin (LLC Ricegrowers Association)
  • Student-led restoration efforts and the installation of seating and pathways at the Blake Botanic Reserve.

“Caring for Koalas in Warialda”

  • Presenter: Shelley McDouall (LLC Northern Slopes Landcare)
  • The story of John Hodge’s initiative to safeguard koalas by establishing water points and a wildlife reserve in Warialda.

“Carp in the Murray”

  • Presenter: Adam Kerezsy (LLC Lake Cargelligo)
  • The great flood of 2022 changed the ecology of the Basin’s rivers, but not it a good way.

“Carp and the Oyster Industry”

  • Presenter: Laura Stoltenberg (Oceanwatch)
  • Oyster growers, Shoalhaven Council, Shoalhaven Water, some cattle growers, South East LLS, OceanWatch, NSW DPI, and others come together at 6 monthly intervals to discuss topics impacting local water quality.

The program is now underway with the first session being held in late March where we introduced Covram:

Covram – A tool to improve native vegetation management

Determining the condition of native vegetation at a site is vital to ensuring that the most appropriate and sustainable land management decisions are made, however current approaches can be time consuming and expensive, and are not broadly comparable.

Covram offers a simple, standardised approach which empowers farmers and land managers to self-assess sites – making it ideal for Landcare activities. The methodology has been successfully applied to 100s of diverse sites including roadsides, reserves and private land and is informed by over 30 years of experience in field assessment and land management advice.

Covram is made up of two parts:

1. Covram mobile app – Developed for field use by land managers – Search ‘Covram’ on the Google Play or Apple App Store

2. Web app to review and analyse data collected – Available via covram.com.au

Covram is freely available at present and we welcome people to try it out and provide feedback. We will be presenting an online lunch and learn session from 12 -1pm on 26th March, to provide an introduction and answer any questions.

For more information on the app email ian@covram.com.au or michael@covram.com.au.

 

To be added to the mailing list for this online series, please email Mel at mtyas@landcarensw.org.au.

 

March 2024

Landcare NSW and BCT Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) Project Update

Landcare NSW and BCT Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) Project Update

The Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) Project is an initiative by Landcare NSW and BCT aimed at advancing conservation efforts on private lands. In this update, we provide highlights on the project’s progress, communication plan, workplan reviews by Landcare groups, insights from a presentation by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), and the involvement of BCT’s Regional Managers in shaping its future direction.

1. Project Progress and Communication Plan: The current number of proposed events (106) exceeds the initial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of 100, with the majority of funding allocated. A communication plan has been developed and is pending review. Sincere thanks to everyone involved in the creation, collation, and coordination of the co-designed regional workplans, especially given the additional demands around Landcare funding applications in recent months. The recent Steering Committee meeting (Landcare NSW and BCT) was excited by the variety of delivery mechanisms and the diversity of topics covered in the plans.

2. Workplan Review by Landcare Groups: Twelve workplans were submitted from all regions. The committee appreciated the diversity of delivery mechanisms and topics, including mycology, cultural burns, and citizen science. A need for more transparent data about costing and clarity on staff time accounting in project plans was identified.

3. Presentation by Natural Resources Commission (NRC): The evaluation plan will be finalised in mid-December 2023. Key evaluation questions will include the project’s outcomes, capacity building in conservation management, engagement with the BCT, and Landcare groups’ development. Throughout the life of this project, the MERI process will be requiring some information from project leads and we will be in touch with templates and information for data capture in the new year. This important data will help us showcase the great work you’re all doing in support of future projects.

4. Involvement of BCT’s Regional Managers and Future Meetings: They will be kept informed about activities in their regions through the monthly updating of the workplans. It was agreed to schedule future steering committee meetings quarterly.

For more information, please contact Suzanne Pritchard, Program Manager, Private Land Conservation Matters, spritchard@landcarensw.org.au.

Landcare NSW Calls for Stronger Action and Enhanced Collaboration in Invasive Species Management

In a detailed submission to the Natural Resources Commission NSW’s Invasive Species Management Review, Landcare NSW Inc., a pivotal community environmental organisation, has highlighted the critical need for improved strategies and collaborative efforts to combat invasive species across New South Wales. The submission, led by CEO Dr. Turlough Guerin, presents a compelling case for strategic intervention and community engagement.

Reflecting on the extensive work of Landcare NSW, Dr. Guerin stated, “Our involvement in invasive species management has been long-standing and deeply impactful. From managing threats to bolstering ecosystem resilience, we’ve witnessed the significant challenges invasive species present to our communities and natural environments.”

He further emphasised the need for strategic collaboration, saying, “Our submission urges a transformation in how invasive species are managed. We advocate for a cooperative culture and strategic approach, recognising the importance of integrating biosecurity with biodiversity management to enhance ecosystem health and resilience.”

Community Involvement and Strategic Recommendations

Landcare NSW’s submission underscores the importance of engaging government, non-government organisations, and the community in a unified strategy against invasive species. The organisation calls for a thorough review of funding strategies, enhanced cross-agency collaboration, and better integration of biosecurity with biodiversity management.

Highlighting Landcare NSW’s Role

The submission proposes that the Natural Resources Commission recognise Landcare’s unique position and expertise in invasive species management. Dr. Guerin noted, “Our network’s depth of experience across various environmental settings positions us as a key partner in managing these challenges.”

Addressing Climate Change and Future Challenges

The impact of climate change on invasive species management is a key concern in the submission. “Adapting to climate-induced changes is crucial for effective invasive species management,” Dr. Guerin pointed out, suggesting strategic use of natural events like droughts and fires in controlling invasive species. “We aim to enhance the resilience of ecosystems and agricultural systems against invasive species. Collaborating with government and communities is essential to achieve this goal.”

Landcare NSW Unveils Ambitious 5-Year Strategic Plan

Landcare NSW has launched its Strategic Business Plan for 2022-2027, charting an ambitious roadmap to drive the Landcare movement in New South Wales towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

The plan, available for review on the Landcare NSW website, focuses on four pivotal pillars:

  • member-centredness,
  • community-led action,
  • sustainable landscapes,
  • and effective partnerships.

Among its standout objectives is the goal to propel the Landcare movement to a staggering 1 million participants by 2040. This audacious target is rooted in strategies aimed at providing stability, bolstering memberships, increasing engagement, and affirming the organisation’s credentials as a trusted partner in natural resource management.

Turlough Guerin, CEO of Landcare NSW, commented on the plan’s release, stating, “The goals we’ve set are both challenging and entirely achievable. At the heart of this vision is the trust we build within our teams, our network of coordinators, the State Advisory Council, the Board, and our partners. Recognising the irreplaceable value of grassroots volunteers remains central to our ethos.”

The plan also underscores a commitment to exceed obligations to the current Landcare Program, concluding in July 2023. There’s a strong advocacy push for an enhanced state-based care program funded by the NSW Government for 2023-2027. This commitment further solidifies Landcare NSW’s dedication to its mission and the communities it serves.

Another highlight of the plan is the ‘Digitalisation Project’. This initiative will examine Landcare NSW’s current digital assets, assess the needs of its grassroots members, and co-design approaches to streamline on-ground tasks like data collection and reporting. The overarching objective is to simplify processes, allowing members to focus on their passion for the environment.

Landcare NSW is also spearheading the ‘Natural Capital Supply Chain’ project. This venture seeks to create a reliable seed library and tree nursery, ensuring Landcare groups and partners have consistent access to quality seeds and plants.

Furthermore, the organisation recognises the importance of culture. A dedicated ‘Culture Change Project’ aims to cultivate an atmosphere where people say, “I want to be part of that.” The vision is to foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusivity, ensuring that all – from volunteers to executive volunteers and Team leaders – feel valued, included, and rewarded.

As Landcare NSW strides into the future, its emphasis on leadership development, collaboration with government agencies, and a unified national voice in environmental management and agricultural production positions the organisation as a beacon in environmental stewardship and a model of government and NGO collaboration.

For more information on the Landcare NSW 5-Year Strategic Plan and its numerous initiatives, please visit the official website at www.landcarensw.org.au.