LANDCARE NSW SEEKS WESTERN LEADER FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN REOPENED AND WILL CLOSE SUNDAY 28 JULY, 2024.

The position of Ordinary Director – Western Region, has be now been reopened as a ‘Casual Vacancy’. Landcare NSW are now seeking applications from people living in the Western region who are interested in joining the Board of Landcare NSW, the peak body for Landcare in the state.

Western Landcare NSW Chair, Paul Heley said, “This is a great opportunity to bring the ‘perspectives’ of Landcarers from the Western region to the Board table of the peak body for Landcare in NSW.”
Former Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said, “Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW. The primary purpose of the organisation is to serve as a ‘resource advocate’ to ensure that the thousands of Landcarers in NSW have all they need to care for our land, environment and communities.”

To ensure that Landcare NSW has the perspective of everyone in the state, Board Directors are elected from electoral zones that cover the entire state.

“If you live in the Western Board electoral zone and share our commitment to strengthening and growing the community Landcare movement in NSW to improve the health of our natural and working landscapes, you should consider standing for the Board,” said former Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron.

The Western Electoral Zone covers the area of the state which correspond to the boundaries of NSW LLS Western Regional boundaries.

Candidates for Ordinary Director positions must normally reside within the geographic boundaries of the region they wish to represent. Here is a LINK to a map to help you determine if you qualify to run.

Candidates for Ordinary Director positions must be a member of a local Landcare NSW member group or a District Network. These candidates will need to verify their membership by having their nomination form signed by the secretary of the local association (must be incorporated) or by the district network association or regional association (if local group is unincorporated).

If you have any questions please get in touch with Nominations Committee Chair – Steve Bunnell via email: election@landcarensw.org.au or you can also connect with Paul Heley, Chair of Western Landcare, to further discuss this opportunity for your region: chair@westernlandcarensw.com.au

If you wish to send an expression of interest, you can do so by filling out the Expression of Interest Form, and sending through to election@landcarensw.org.au

As this position needs to be filled as soon as possible and is currently a ‘Casual Vacancy’, all expressions of interest will be reviewed and assessed by the Nominations Committee as received. This committee will also conduct the interview and probity checks, with formal appointment to fill the position by the Board of Directors at one of the next Board meetings.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST HAVE BEEN REOPENED AND WILL CLOSE SUNDAY 28 JULY 2024.

Enhancing Landcare Collaboration Across New South Wales

In a significant development for environmental stewardship, the NSW Government has substantially increased funding for Landcare coordination in the regions and for some centralised services. This boost reflects an evolving expectation from state agencies regarding their collaboration with Landcare across New South Wales and with Landcare NSW in particular.

Recently, during meetings with senior executives from these agencies, there has been a clear expression of interest for Landcare NSW to take on a more pronounced role in coordinating and facilitating the delivery of state-wide or multi-regional projects. This initiative aims to enhance consistency, efficiency, and deeper project penetration, marking a pivotal shift in how environmental and land management projects are managed across the state.

Landcare NSW has a history of executing large-scale projects with regional Landcare groups. These experiences have highlighted both strengths and weaknesses in the current collaborative approach. To address these challenges, Landcare NSW is engaging directly with Landcarers, staff, and committee members in the regions to develop improved protocols and procedures. This co-design and co-delivery approach with the regions is expected to foster more effective project implementation.

Over the coming months, this collaborative effort will be worked through and structured through the State Advisory Council. The objective is to streamline government agency contracts and enhance grant applications, ultimately supporting Landcarers in achieving their strategic objectives more effectively across New South Wales.

This proactive step by Landcare NSW, which is a core part of our advocacy function, not only promises to increase project effectiveness at the regional and group levels, but also aims to secure a more sustainable and impactful future for environmental conservation and sustainable farming across the state.

New ATO Reporting Requirements for Non-Charitable NFPs

Understanding New ATO Reporting Requirements for Non-Charitable NFPs

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has introduced a new ‘self-assess’ reporting requirement for non-charitable, income tax-exempt not-for-profits (NFPs) that possess an active ABN. Here are the essential details:

1. Annual Self-Review Return: Starting from 1 July, NFPs need to submit an annual self-review return to confirm their tax exemption status. This process involves a straightforward ten-minute form that includes:

- - Organisational details estimating gross revenue size.
  - Five eligibility assessment questions.
  - A summary and declaration section.

2. Maintaining ABN Details: It’s mandatory for NFPs to update their ABN details within 28 days of any changes. The ATO provides a downloadable form for this purpose, which must be filled out by authorised or newly appointed contacts.

3. Compliance and Support: The ATO is adopting a practical approach to compliance and will focus on lodgments from the 2023-24 income year. They offer transitional support like lodgment deferrals and payment plans for NFPs that need extra time to meet these obligations.

4. Accessibility: For those unable to use online services, the ATO is setting up a telephone lodgment channel.

This new requirement aims to streamline processes and ensure transparency in the operations of NFPs.

For further assistance, NFPs can view an informative ATO webinar – or contact our Membership Officer at Landcare NSW – memberships@landcarensw.org.au

Landcare NSW Membership and Insurance Renewals for 2024-2025

What You Need to Know

As we edge closer to June 2024, it’s time for us all to prepare for the annual membership and insurance renewals. In today’s economic climate, where the cost of living continues to rise, we recognise that renewal time can pose challenges and we’re committed to doing what we can to keep costs fair and reasonable, while adding value to your membership wherever possible.

Understanding Our Costs

To ensure we continue to offer the best possible value, we have been actively negotiating and comparing the market rates for our insurance cover. For perspective, here’s what a hypothetical Landcare group with twelve members would pay for the same coverage:

Public Liability Cover: $1,300
Association Liability: $700
Personal Accident: $450
Plus GST

This totals $2,450 for a year’s coverage, highlighting the significant savings our group arrangement offers—akin to the cost for four small group memberships at our current rates.

Upcoming Changes

While some cost increases for the 2024-25 period are inevitable, we’re aiming to keep them to a minimum wherever we can. And when things are tight, you need to know exactly what your money is buying – so, we’re separating insurance and membership costs in our invoicing, so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

Enhanced Benefits

We’re not only trying to keep our costs as low as possible; we’re also working to increase the value of your membership. For example, once our new insurance broker is appointed, we’ll host another Insurance Webinar, following on from the success of last year’s program. These webinars will be offered monthly, with guest speakers and special interest topics. The webinar series will also give you a voice and a forum to share your ideas and experiences with other Landcarers.

Advocacy and Support

We understand that during tough economic times, the support of a strong community is more important than ever. And that’s a big part of what Landcare NSW offers its members your continued membership ensures that Landcare NSW can continue to advocate on your behalf to state politicians and parliamentarians, and to government agency executives. And advocacy isn’t just for the bigger issues – we’re here to help you resolve problems at all levels. This is a critical and core function of Landcare NSW and an important service for our members.

Program Participation
Active membership is crucial for those wishing to participate in the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP). Keeping your membership current is essential to accessing those benefits associated with the Program.
Pricing Considerations
As far as pricing is concerned, there’s a few factors to consider as we head towards the 2024-25 cycle. The ongoing cost-of-living situation that affects us all, coupled with our own very tight administration budget, makes it difficult to calculate pricing that’s both fair and effective.
But we’re doing our best to find the middle ground. You can be assured that we’ll always put your interests first as we work towards providing cost-effective and valuable memberships.
As we began to receive our quotes and make our calculations, we’ll be keeping you informed as regularly and as early as we can.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can get in touch with our Membership Officer any time via memberships@landcarensw.org.au

Saving Our Species Program – a call to action

A Call to Action: Contributing to the Saving Our Species Program with Landcare NSW

Landcare NSW is reaching out to all community members to participate in an important conservation effort through the “Saving Our Species” (SoS) program.

The NSW Government’s SoS program recently released 71 draft conservation strategies aimed at protecting threatened species and ecological communities across New South Wales, with public consultation (for individuals) open until May 3, 2024.

However, if you would like to participate in Landcare NSW’s consolidated feedback, then you can submit your feedback to enquiry@landcarensw.org.au no later than 15 May 2024.

Here are the proposed conservation strategies for the 71 species now on exhibition thanks to the SoS program: Saving our Species draft conservation strategies | NSW Environment and Heritage

This is the first of multiple exhibitions that the SOS program is releasing so look out for these on the SOS website. The next tranche (of strategies) is expected to be published in early May.

If you want to be notified of these releases or would like to discuss any aspects of the SoS program, send an email to the SOS Program at: savingourspecies@environment.nsw.gov.au

Compiling Collective Feedback:

Landcare NSW will compile all feedback from these collaborative efforts into a summary document that reflects both detailed and overarching suggestions from the Landcare community.

Engagement and Impact:

This initiative is open to everyone in the conservation community, whether they are currently affiliated with Landcare NSW or not. By engaging in this consultation, participants can influence the strategies that will shape the future of our natural heritage.

We encourage all interested parties to come forward and share their expertise. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the conservation efforts in New South Wales.

Please send your comments to enquiry@landcarensw.org.au no later than 15 May 2024.

Ozfish: Driving fish habitat action

Driving fish habitat action

The Driving Fish Habitat Action Project has again provided opportunities for joint projects between Landcare NSW member groups and local OzFish chapters.

The partnership project was proven over year one, two and now year three, and has now been backed for year four and five with funding from NSW Fisheries – providing the template for one of the most powerful NGO partnerships in NSW.

In year 3, OzFish, with NSW Landcare groups, funded 30 projects across freshwater and saltwater, which had a total value of $977,000. In year 4, OzFish, alongside NSW Landcare groups, funded 20 projects across freshwater and saltwater environments, with a total value of over $400,000. Some of the great outcomes achieved were, over 60 woody and 200 tonnes of rocky habitats installed, over 5km of riparian fencing installed to protect vital ecosystems for native fish and over 7,000 native plants planted. eDNA sampling was undertaken across NSW waterways to look for threatened fish species and to confirm suspected native fish sightings and over 10km of riparian weeds were removed.

Gunning District Landcare (GDL) has partnered with OzFish since 2022 and was recently featured in an article on OzFish’s website. One of GDL’s committee members, Janet Heffernan, has been striving to protect and conserve the endangered Southern Pygmy Perch for 20 years. She works closely with representatives from OzFish and fish scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and the University of Canberra.

GDL was proud to receive a Scientific Collection Permit at the end of 2023 that allows their citizen scientists to sample local creeks for the Perch, and Janet is in the midst of a big round of sampling.

Gunning LLC, Leah Samson volunteered with her recently putting out fish traps and testing the water quality in Oolong Creek. And the result? They recorded 22 native fish!

Stay tuned for our Conservation Chronicles where we showcase the Gunning District Landcare and OzFish partnership.

March 2024

Images: Introducing a new pygmy perch population to Oolong Creek.

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM)

Private land conservation really does matter!

– Suzanne Pritchard, LNSW Project Manager

Private land conservation really does matter and Landcarers across NSW are supporting those that are leading the way and encouraging other landholders to follow thanks to the $1.54 million Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) contract LNSW is delivering for the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).

What started out as a partnership between the BCT and LNSW to better understand the shared interests in managing land for biodiversity outcomes has developed into a mutually beneficially arrangement providing resources for 12 host organisations across the state to host 106 events by December 2024.

From multi-partner multi-day forums to online webinars, and every event type in between, how to manage private land to enhance biodiversity outcomes is being talked about by experts, shared in social networking gatherings, understood through citizen science projects and on land that has a one form or another of conservation covenant upon it.

It’s all about protection of Box Gum Grassy Woodlands (BGGW) in the Murray. Landholders will be able to learn about this endangered vegetation type while spotlighting and dining, considering natural capital options, understanding cultural connections or identifying tools and technology to tackle management decision. The BGGW supports productive agriculture based on native pastures, so it’s a win for landholders, native flora and fauna if this diverse ecosystem can be encouraged, expanded and connected across the landscape.

In the north of the state walk & talk field days on covenanted landholdings will see multiple agencies converging to share best practice land conservation techniques and knowledge in dealing with landslips and erosion, threatened species, and property planning. These gatherings are key to strengthening the social connections between landholders, who sometimes feel isolated, with like-minded Landcarers.

Out west big is better and forums are the flavour for bringing landholders together. The combination of large distances and limited time will see a multiday forum held in the western region and a 2-day event focussing on all aspects of utilising fire in the north western region. There will also be field days-a-plenty providing opportunities to get up close and personal with seed, showcasing some trials and demonstration and bringing multiple organisations together to explore and educate how to improve on-farm biodiversity.

The southeast will be utilising the PLCM funding to host roadshows across the region on riparian strategies and bush regeneration techniques. Regional workshops and field days are also planned to cover topics as diverse as koalas, regenerative agriculture, keystone species, fungi and flora, preceded by information sharing webinars so that the theory can be put into on the day. A muster to bring everyone together is in the mix too.

Along the east coast learning opportunities to better understand private land management of feral animals, woody weeds, caring for country, ecological burns for biodiversity, koalas, and fungi will see workshops and field days held. A growing interest in understanding bush regeneration strategies will provide food for thought about the value of retaining and expanding remnant vegetation.

If you’d like to find out more about what’s happening in your region contact your local landcare group, or BCT representative. All regions across the state have something to offer.

Private land conservation, by providing opportunities for landholders and Landcarers to connect and support each other, will greatly contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 targets calling for 30% of land under protection by 2030.

The Private Land Conservation Matters program is key to unlocking the potential of landholders to protect biodiversity across the state. LNSW acknowledges the foresight and support of the BCT in resourcing Landcarers to deliver an extensive program of activities for landholders to conserve biodiversity on their property.

March 2024

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.”