Tag: Landcare NSW

Collaborations and Partnerships

Strengthening Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship

At Landcare NSW, we are dedicated to expanding opportunities for community engagement and enhancing environmental stewardship through various collaborations and partnerships.

Our efforts are aimed at integrating community-based initiatives with broader environmental and biosecurity strategies.

Here’s a glimpse into our recent activities, showcasing the dynamic work being done under the guidance of Peter Dixon, our Advisor for Major Partnerships and Grants: 

 

Community-Based Biosecurity Response: We are enhancing Landcare NSW’s role in biosecurity emergency response and surveillance. These efforts focus on mobilising community resources and expertise to address biosecurity threats effectively, ensuring rapid and coordinated responses. Peter Dixon has been instrumental in driving these initiatives, bringing his extensive experience and strategic vision to the table. 

 

Environmental Biosecurity Programs: Our programs addressing environmental biosecurity issues are designed to integrate with broader management activities. By leveraging community involvement, we aim to protect natural ecosystems from invasive species and diseases. Dixon’s leadership ensures that these programs are both innovative and effective, fostering stronger community ties and better environmental outcomes. 

 

Natural Capital and Biodiversity Initiatives: We are creating programs that strategically apply funds from various sources to catchment health projects. This initiative highlights our commitment to enhancing water quality and biodiversity through strategic funding and community-led projects. Under Dixon’s guidance, these programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of different regions, making them more impactful and sustainable. 

 

Capacity Building and Collaboration: We are actively discussing opportunities for capacity building in environmental management. These collaborations aim to strengthen community capabilities and support sustainable practices across NSW. Dixon’s role is pivotal in forging these partnerships, ensuring they are robust and geared towards long-term success. 

 

Seed and Plant Supply Chain Enhancement: Improving the seed and plant supply chain is vital for promoting best practices in environmental restoration and enhancing ecosystem resilience. We are working to ensure the availability of high-quality native seeds for restoration projects. With Dixon’s strategic oversight, this initiative is poised to set new standards in restoration practices, benefiting both the environment and local communities. 

 

Alignment with the State Advisory Council (SAC): In collaboration with the State Advisory Council (SAC) of Landcare NSW, we ensure that our community engagement and environmental stewardship efforts are aligned with regional needs. This collaboration allows us to hear the needs of the regions and adapt our strategies to better support local communities. Dixon’s coordination with the SAC ensures that our initiatives are responsive and effective, addressing the real-world challenges faced by our members. 

 

Through these initiatives, Landcare NSW is working to strengthen community engagement, enhance environmental stewardship, and integrate community-based efforts with broader environmental strategies.

Our advocacy and collaboration efforts, guided by Peter Dixon’s expertise, aim to create a more resilient and sustainable environment. We empower communities to take active roles in environmental conservation and natural resource management, making a tangible difference in their local areas. 

Stay informed about our advocacy initiatives by subscribing to our Connections Newsletter. 

MAKING CONSERVATION MATTER

Join the Private Land Conservation Program

The Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) program, funded by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), is making significant strides across New South Wales. With regional coordinators in place, we’ve successfully hosted 46 events, engaging 1,436 attendees, including 824 landholders. Our ambitious goal of 100 events and reaching 2,000 landholders is well within sight. 

The BCT funding is being effectively utilised in various ways, from hosting events to supporting landholders in understanding and enhancing the biodiversity on their land. These events provide a platform for landholders to share their best practices, discuss ways to protect and expand their remnants, and connect with others to build supportive networks. These connections are crucial in addressing the biodiversity crisis sweeping across our country. 

Several key themes have emerged from these events, including grazing management, feral animal control, vegetation management, regeneration strategies, seed collection and propagation, and citizen science and monitoring. To maximise the impact of these themes, PLCM will be producing case studies and resources to bridge the gap between guidelines and on-ground implementation, dispelling myths around private land conservation. 

In the coming months, Virginia Bear of Little Gecko Media will be visiting various groups to capture the action. She will gather firsthand experiences from landowners and Landcarers, documenting and sharing the knowledge gained at these events through case studies, social networks, and the PLCM events portal. 

Looking for an event in your region? Check out the PLCM events calendar at PLCM Events Calendar. Your local and regional Landcare contacts are also a great resource for up-to-date event information. 

If you are interested in supporting conservation on your land, attending a PLCM event will connect you with your local BCT representative. For those wanting to expand their knowledge, the BCT’s e-learning portal offers free online courses in conservation land management, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Visit BCT e-learning portal to start your journey. 

Managed by Landcare NSW, this project serves as a conduit to connect Landcare with the BCT across the state. For more information, contact the program manager, Suzanne Pritchard, at spritchard@landcarensw.org.au.  

We invite all members and stakeholders to participate actively in these events. Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and contribute to a sustainable future. 

Pictured: Regenerative burn with Traditional Owners in Cobbitty

PROTECTING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

IP Australia’s Initiatives

Indigenous Knowledge (IK), which encompasses the traditional practices, skills, and cultural expressions of Australia’s First Nations people, is a vital part of our cultural heritage.

Recognising the challenges in protecting this knowledge within the existing Intellectual Property (IP) system, IP Australia has implemented measures to safeguard and promote IK. Key initiatives include increasing awareness and understanding of the IP system among First Nations communities through collaborations, online resources, and specialised support services like Yarnline.

Additionally, a dedicated team ensures that trade mark and design applications involving IK follow proper consent and benefit-sharing protocols. 

Extensive consultations conducted by IP Australia highlighted the need for an Indigenous Advisory Panel, new checks for trade marks, a disclosure requirement for patents, and the potential for labelling authentic Indigenous products using new technologies like blockchain.

These measures aim to provide transparency, ensure consent from IK owners, and prevent the misuse and misappropriation of Indigenous Knowledge. By bridging the gap between traditional knowledge systems and modern IP frameworks, these initiatives support the preservation and recognition of Indigenous cultural heritage. 

For Landcare NSW, supporting these initiatives is essential. Protecting IK aligns with our commitment to preserving cultural heritage and sustainable land management practices.

Our First Nations program reflects this commitment, as we seek to integrate Indigenous Knowledge into our conservation efforts. While we are still working on the co-design of the current phase of the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP), we are always looking for resources to support First Nations in their work.

Additionally, the National Landcare Network will employ a First Nations Facilitator to further support these efforts. Indigenous Knowledge includes valuable ecological and agricultural practices that contribute to environmental stewardship. Furthermore, fostering stronger relationships with Indigenous communities enhances collaboration on conservation projects, promoting authenticity and preventing the misuse of Indigenous Knowledge.

Supporting IP Australia’s efforts, Landcare NSW reinforces its dedication to cultural preservation, community engagement, and sustainable land management. 

For more information and to gain access to these federal government resources, visit the Indigenous Knowledge IP Hub. 

NSW GOVERNMENT APPS

Helping Land Managers Make Data-backed Decisions

The NSW government has developed a suite of apps to help land managers make better informed, data backed, land management decisions. 

Developed by scientists in the Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water, the apps draw on years of research and development to make the most accurate, detailed information available to land managers across the state. 

The apps are easy to use and include functions for zooming into areas of interest and locational searching and can be used anywhere you have a mobile signal. 

Each of the apps has a feedback function which allows land managers to provide updates based on their own observations on their properties. These updates are assessed by the team and once verified can be used to update the maps behind the apps.  

  • Trees Near Me NSW provides maps and information about Plant Community Types anywhere in NSW. It makes it easy for anyone with an interest in native plants from farmers and bushwalkers to backyard green thumbs, bush regeneration groups and ecologists to learn more about native vegetation in New South Wales. 
  • Credits Near Me NSW is a great starting point for landholders thinking about establishing a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement under the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. The app can help landholders identify the types of biodiversity credits they may be able to create and sell, and whether there are people looking to buy these types of credits. The app can also help proponents of developments find areas where the potential supply of credits may help meet their biodiversity offset obligations. 
  • Soils Near Me NSW is a simple and accurate way for users to find information about the capabilities and limitations of soils and landscapes, the soil types in New South Wales and their acid sulfate soil risk. It is useful for planners, land managers, bush regenerators, teachers, students and citizen scientists, or anyone looking to learn more about the soils near them and how they can shape their management decisions. 
  • Restore Trees NSW helps users inspire and plan their restoration projects to deliver the best biodiversity outcomes for their property and the surrounding landscape. 

The app uses information from the State Vegetation Type Map to help land managers make informed choices about what native plants are best suited to the location of their project. 

You can download all the apps from the google play and apple apps stores or access desktop versions at environment.nsw.gov.au. 

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PLANTING TUBESTOCK PADDOCK TREES

A VITAL RESOURCE FOR CENTRAL NSW FARMERS RECOGNISED BY HELEN DALTON MP

 

The recently published book, A Practical Guide to Planting Tubestock Paddock Trees, authored by John Baker, from Hovells Creek Landcare has been hailed as an invaluable resource for landholders and farmers in central NSW.

This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the essential practices and considerations for successful tubestock paddock tree planting, helping to prevent the costly failures that often arise from lack of planning. 

Drawing on extensive practical field trials and years of planting experience, John Baker covers important topics such as selecting appropriate species, determining the best planting locations within the landscape, optimal planting times, and choosing high-quality tubestock that is more likely to survive and thrive in varying conditions. 

During National Landcare Week in August 2024, Helen Dalton MP, Member for Murray, recognised the significance of this guide in a special presentation of the book to her at NSW Parliament House.

The presentation was made by Landcare NSW CEO, Turlough Guerin, highlighting the collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable farming practices across NSW. This recognition also exemplifies the advocacy work that Landcare NSW does for local groups, ensuring their valuable contributions are acknowledged and supported at all levels. 

This guide is a must-read for anyone involved in planting paddock trees on farms or properties. It offers practical advice and strategies to ensure successful plantings, contributing to the enhancement of biodiversity and the sustainability of agricultural landscapes in central NSW. 

For more information and to access the guide, visit the Hovells Creek Landcare website here. 

LANDCARE AUSTRALIA COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

NOW OPEN!

As part of Landcare Australia’s celebration of 35 years of Landcare Australia and landcare as a national movement, the 2024 Landcare Australia Community Grants program will support local landcare and community environmental groups across Australia to deliver projects that address priority issues for the group, community and/or the environment.

The Landcare Australia Community Grants program is open to all landcare and community groups across Australia that embrace the landcare ethos, including Landcare, Bushcare, Dunecare, Coastcare and “Friends of” groups Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, youth environmental groups and networks (ages 18+).

This grant program aims to support and celebrate the many groups that have and continue to make a significant contribution to caring for our environment across Australia.

Applications are open to projects that address priority issues, and may include educational workshops, restoring essential wildlife habitat, shelterbelts and fences, protecting our waterways, managing weeds and feral animals, working with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, hosting local community workshops, or purchasing plants and equipment, creating signage, amongst other landcare activities.

Project Funding Available:

A total funding pool of $300,000 ex GST is available, made possible by the generous contributions to Landcare Australia’s fundraising activities.

Grant applications for a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 (excluding GST) are available.

If you have any questions after reading these guidelines, please call 1800 151 105, or email: grants@landcareaustralia.com.au.

Key Dates:

Applications open: Landcare Week Monday 5 August 2024
Applications close: Friday 20 September 2024
Successful applicants notified: By Friday 18 October 2024
Final report due and projects complete: Wednesday 31 July 2025

Apply Now

Click here to download the Guidelines and Criteria for Landcare Australia Community Grants program 2024

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 

Celebrate National Tree Day:

Join Us in Creating Canopies in Liverpool

On Saturday 27 July 2024, join Greater Sydney Landcare and Liverpool City Council at Schoeffel Park for an unforgettable morning of tree planting, community bonding and family fun.

This event is part of Creating Canopies, a multi-year project by Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare to plant 200,000 native trees and associated shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025. Creating Canopies is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, which aims to help reduce urban heat in Sydney.

Creating Canopies Volunteers Planting with GSL

Event Highlights:

Plant 2,000 Native Trees and Shrubs: Green community space in the Liverpool LGA – contribute to the Creating Canopies project and help reduce urban heat while creating valuable habitats for local wildlife.

Fun for All Ages: No experience necessary. We provide gardening gloves, tools, and training. Bring your family and friends for a day of hands-on planting.

Free Lunch and Entertainment: Enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle lunch on us. Plus, there’ll be live music, face painting, and an Indigenous weaving workshop by the talented Tarni Eastwood of Nula Weaving.

Barista-made Coffee and Sweet Treats: Available for purchase to keep you energised throughout the day.

Why Attend?

“We’re looking for volunteers to plant with us,” says Ms Danielle Packer, Creating Canopies Project Manager for Greater Sydney Landcare.

“Our plantings offer a fantastic day outdoors, and volunteers regularly tell us how rewarding it feels to do something positive for nature.”

The benefits of green spaces are immense—improving physical health, lowering stress levels, and creating cooler environments.

“The trees we plant will not only cool down Schoeffel Park and wider Sydney, but they’ll also provide vital habitats for birds and other wildlife,” said Ms Packer.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, July 27 2024
Time: 9 am to 2 pm (may finish earlier – arrive at 9 am so you don’t miss out)
Location: Schoeffel Park, 26 Strzlecki Drive, Horningsea Park, NSW 2171
Cost: FREE
What to Wear: Closed sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and long pants
What to Bring: A drink bottle of water, hat, and sunscreen

Greater Sydney Landcare Tree Planting volunteer

Register Now: Secure your spot at this tree planting. It will be a fun morning of community spirit and environmental stewardship.

Register today on Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page.

Greater Sydney Landcare Creating Canopies logo

Celebrate National Tree Day:

Plant Trees at Lizard Log for National Tree Day

Greater Sydney Landcare is calling for volunteers to plant trees at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury on National Tree Day – Sunday 28 July from 8am.

This event is part of Creating Canopies – a multi-year project by Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare to plant 200,000 native trees and associated shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025.

Creating Canopies is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program, which aims to help reduce urban heat in Sydney.

“We’re inviting local residents to come along and plant trees for National Tree Day,” said Ms Danielle Packer, Creating Canopies Project Manager for Greater Sydney Landcare.

To attend the tree planting, register via Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page. Visit greatersydneylandcare.org for more information.

GSL Tree Planting

“Not only will the trees planted provide shade and cooling through evapotranspiration as they mature, but they will also create habitat for wildlife and a more beautiful space for people to enjoy too.”

“All ages can join us and no experience is necessary. We provide the gloves, tools and training for planting and we also put on a free lunch as a thank you as well. Volunteers regularly tell us that they have a fantastic day outdoors doing something positive for nature.”

“Between 2020 and 2022, Creating Canopies held 163 events attended by over 2,000 volunteers and planted over 100,000 trees across Greater Sydney.”

“In this second stage of the project, we’re hoping to beat that record and get twice as many trees in the ground,” said Ms Packer.

Last year, over 59,000 trees were planted thanks to Creating Canopies on private and public land across the Sydney region. Over 1,200 volunteers planted at 66 Creating Canopies events in 2023.

Greater Sydney Landcare Tree Planting volunteer

National Tree Day is also supported by the NSW Government.

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) Executive Director, Resilience and Sustainability, Steve Hartley, said that planting more trees helps increase our canopy—creating more shade, cleaner air and healthier communities.

Creating Canopies GSL Volunteers

“Events like National Tree Day are a great opportunity for the community to come together and contribute to increasing our urban canopy,” Mr Hartley said.

“The NSW Government has a goal to increase tree coverage across Greater Sydney to 40 per cent by 2036 to build better resilience to urban heat.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a tangible impact on our environment and community. Individuals, families, friends, and community groups are all welcome to participate and make a difference. Be a part of creating a greener, cooler, and more vibrant Sydney this National Tree Day.

Register Now: Secure your spot at this tree planting, which promises a fun morning of community spirit and environmental stewardship. Register today on Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page.

Greater Sydney Landcare Creating Canopies logo

Landcare NSW Embarks on Governance and Strategy Check-up

Landcare NSW Embarks on Governance and Strategy Check-up

Landcare NSW is excited to announce the commencement of a “Governance & Strategy Check-up” project. This initiative comes as we take stock of the governance changes implemented two years ago and navigate the final two years of the Landcare Enabling Program. 

We have contracted with Randall Pearce of THINK: Insight & Advice to facilitate this dual process.  Randall is not only an expert in not-for-profit management and governance but he knows Landcare and Landcare NSW well.   

Key Highlights:

  • Extensive consultation with stakeholders, including interviews and focus groups. 
  • Strategic planning to diversify revenue sources and ensure financial sustainability. 
  • A critical State Advisory Council (SAC)/Board Forum in November to co-design and sensible further governance changes with the State Advisory Council and the Board. 
  • Hosting three in-person workshops across the state for broader engagement. 

 

Strategic Planning: With potential reductions in government funding, our next strategic plan will almost certainly focus on securing our financial self-sustainability. Randall Pearce will conduct key informant interviews with stakeholders, including government partners, NRM associations, thought leaders, and potential corporate sponsors. This comprehensive approach will culminate in a day-long planning session in September, involving the Board and selected guests, to chart the future course for Landcare NSW. 

Art of Hosting South East Landcare

Governance & Membership: Building on the transformative 2022 governance reforms he supported Landcare NSW to undertake, Randall will conduct four focus groups with local and regional Landcarers to understand the impact of the reforms from your perspective.  He will also enquire about your membership structures and how we might better connect local groups with your State Peak.   This initiative will include a ¾ day State Advisory Council (SAC)/Board Forum in November to consider sensible next governance steps.   Insights from this forum will inform a discussion paper for local groups to consider further with an aim to strengthen Landcare NSW as your  representative and to better support our groups. 

Further Consultation: We are also planning three in-person events across the state later this year to socialise the strategy and co-design new and improved governance arrangements. 

We believe this collaborative and inclusive approach will ensure the continued success and sustainability of Landcare in NSW. Randall Pearce’s expertise and deep understanding of Landcare NSW will guide us through this period.

We invite all members to actively participate and share their insights, ensuring that our community’s needs and perspectives are at the heart of our future plans. 

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting journey towards a stronger, more sustainable Landcare NSW. 

Please reach out to our office for further information:

Phone: 02 8339 4816

Email: enquiry@landcarensw.org.au