Tag: Landcare NSW

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

Scaling up Landcare

Scaling up Landcare

A Collaborative Approach for Statewide Impact

At Landcare NSW, we recognise the growing interest in and need for large-scale environmental and natural resource management (NRM) projects. Over the past year, various NSW government agencies and internal groups have expressed their eagerness to collaborate with Landcare NSW to implement broader initiatives that have the potential to create significant statewide impact. This aligns well with several State and National grant programs that emphasise large-scale results. 

To effectively deliver these ambitious projects, Landcare NSW aims to work closely with Landcarers across the State. We are committed to developing streamlined procedures and protocols that will allow us to respond quickly and efficiently when opportunities arise. This collaboration will ensure that all stakeholders’ needs are met and project objectives are achieved seamlessly. 

Currently, Landcare Regions and Landcare NSW are engaged in a statewide private land conservation program funded through the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. Additionally, initial discussions are underway with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development about involving Landcare in Biosecurity Emergency Response and Surveillance. Our goal is to finalise these procedures and protocols soon, enabling us to leverage new opportunities and resources to address shared concerns or offer services on a fee-for-service basis. 

Insights from the State Advisory Council Meeting 

During the recent State Advisory Council meeting, the importance of quality, bottom-up consultation, early engagement, and building strong relationships with regions was emphasised. It was discussed that there is a need for streamlined reporting, targeted involvement based on a detailed interest matrix, and normalising preventative protocols at all events. These steps will ensure efforts are aligned with regional needs and capabilities, enabling the effective addressing of critical environmental and NRM issues. 

Grant Consultation Process: Seeking Your Input 

Landcare NSW is committed to simplifying the process for applying to statewide projects and establishing a Regional Consultation process. To design this effectively, a series of consultation sessions will be conducted with guidance from our State Advisory Council. Regional Representatives and volunteers are invited to provide their insights on the key features necessary for an effective Regional Consultation process. Key considerations include who needs to be consulted, realistic timeframes, barriers to success, and communication methods. Your feedback is critically important to ensure efforts align with regional needs and capabilities. If you wish to join future working groups, please reach out to us. 

If you are interested in participating in the development of these procedures and protocols, please contact Peter Dixon at pdixon@landcarensw.org.au.  

Ozfish: Fish Motels in Moree

Fish motels in Moree become canvas for Dreamtime stories

OzFish recently worked alongside Landcare NSW and Miyay Birray Youth Group in Moree to support Indigenous culture of the Gomeroi/Kamilaroi nation.

Jay Barnett, team leader of the Moree River Repair Bus, led an educational session for young indigenous students focusing on the significance of waterway restoration and how installing fish motels creates new, intricate habitats for fish.

Local Indigenous youth then had an opportunity to share their cultural traditions by illustrating Dreamtime stories on logs that will soon be transformed into fish motels. They used a range of techniques, including burning and engraving to draw abstract patterns. These designs are symbolic, often representing elements of the natural world, intertwined with spiritual concepts and cultural knowledge.

See the full story: ozfish.org.au/2024/05/fish-motels-in-moree-become-canvas-for-dreamtime-stories/

Miyay Birray Youth Group

Insurance for Members

Landcare NSW reduces insurance costs for Members

While Landcare NSW’s insurance package is already quite competitive, there’s always room for improvement, especially in these tough economic times.

After some tough negotiations between LNSW staff and a variety of insurance brokers and others, we secured a three percent discount on insurance costs, which we’ve passed on to our members.

In the lead up to pricing for the 2024-25 membership/insurance cycle, we learnt that a group sourcing insurance on their own could expect to pay as much as three thousand dollars for the same cover offered by LNSW.

To take advantage of our very competitive cover, you must be an incorporated group and take up a LNSW membership – please get in touch with Mark Lawrence, our Membership Officer.

Insurance Webinar

On Monday, 24th June 2024, Landcare NSW hosted another webinar with representatives from AON Insurance Brokers to answer your questions on our Master Policy Insurance package and the extent of its coverage.

Topics covered included:

  • Public and Product liability
  • Association and Professional indemnity liability
  • Volunteer worker’s personal accident cover

If you’d like access to the recording please reach out to our Membership Officer.

Insurance Claims – Simplified for Your Peace of Mind

Recently, some groups have expressed concerns about potential administrative burdens related to the Landcare NSW Insurance program.

There’s a misconception that making an insurance claim involves a lot of extra work for the groups or their member organisations. Let’s clear that up: Landcare NSW handles the heavy lifting when it comes to claim management.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Landcare NSW Manages Claims: The policies covering your group are managed by Landcare NSW. If you need to submit a claim, our team will handle most of the work.
  • Minimal Administrative Work: Over the past period, there has been only one claim, which was managed efficiently by our staff with minimal input required from the claimant.

Steps to Submit an Insurance Claim:

  • Contact Us: Call or email the Membership Officer, Mark Lawrence, to initiate your claim.
  • Provide Basic Information: Answer a few questions and complete the claim form we send you. This is the main administrative task you’ll need to do.
  • Submit the Form: Return the completed form and we’ll handle the rest.
  • Additional Information: If the insurer requires more details, we’ll reach out to you for the necessary information.

Thanks to the robust procedures our member groups have in place, our overall risk is well-managed, helping to keep claims to a minimum.

If you have any questions about making claims or need assistance with anything else, please feel free to contact your Membership Officer.

Contact our Membership Officer – Mark Lawrence:

Email: memberships@landcarensw.org.au or mlawrence@landcare.nsw.org.au

Phone during office hours 02 8339 4816 or directly 0414 537 379

Local winners announced at the NSW Landcare Awards ceremony

Winners for the NSW Landcare Awards have been proudly announced, recognising the outstanding contributions by locals from across the state to the environment conservation, sustainable farming, and our community.

The NSW winners have been acknowledged during a ceremony at the Sergeants Mess, Chowder Bay Mosman, on 3 June 2024.

The Landcare Awards honour the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, groups and organisations, dedicated to protecting the NSW natural resources and building resilient landscapes for the future. The award winners and their projects are diverse, including climate innovation, community partnerships, sustainable agriculture, youth, and collaboration with First Nations.

Quote attributed to Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:

“Landcarers make important and lasting contributions to communities and these awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate those efforts.

“I congratulate all nominees for achieving great things for their local communities and thank them for their ongoing commitment.

“Events like this remind me of how proud I am that the NSW Government committed a record $59 million to support Landcare through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program.”

Quote attributed to Local Land Services Acting CEO, Rob Kelly:

“The Landcare NSW and Local Land Services partnership is one we value and one that delivers important outcomes for the environment, agriculture and communities.

“I congratulate the finalists along with all Landcare staff and volunteers for the positive role they play in communities.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Landcare NSW to deliver positive outcomes across this state into the future.”

Quote attributed to Landcare NSW CEO, Turlough Guerin:

“These awards are one of the highlights of our Landcare calendar and are our chance to celebrate and recognise the amazing work that the Landcare volunteers do. It’s such a privilege to be part of this phenomenal community.”

Quote attributed to Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish:

“The NSW Landcare Award finalists have shown an exceptional level of commitment to landcare activities by restoring and protecting the natural environment where they live and work. Their achievements benefit not only our land and water assets but are helping to create partnerships and build community resilience across Australia. As we come together to celebrate and acknowledge their efforts, we also find inspiration in their hard work, and a reminder to us all that landcare is a collective effort.”

Winners of the State & Territory Landcare Award categories will represent NSW at the 2024 National Landcare Awards to be held in late 2025.

  • Australian Government Climate Innovation Award
  • Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award
  • Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
    • Winner: Ran Mitchell
  • Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award
    • Winner: Lake Macquarie Volunteer Landcare Network
  • Greyhound Coastcare Award
    • Winner: Wallabi Point Coastcare
  • First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award
    • Winner: Waybali Murruway
  • Women in Landcare Award
    • Winner: Nell Chaffey
  • Woolworths Junior Landcare Award
  • NextGen Landcare Award
    • Winner: NPWS Penguin Warden Taylor Springett

We would like to say a huge thank you to all our nominees, judges and to Landcare Australia Limited for providing the funding to host these awards.