Tag: Landcare NSW

Polls shows 86% of NSW residents support conservation jobs plan

A new poll has found 86% of NSW residents strongly support Federal Government investment in a Land Management and Conservation Jobs Plan to stimulate the economy.

Out of 12 options the Federal Government could choose to restore employment in regional communities, investment in practical environmental jobs like planting trees, removing weeds and restoring rivers came out on top for NSW residents. 

The polling, commissioned by the National Landcare Network, found three quarters (77%) of NSW residents are concerned about the health of the country’s forests, rivers and wildlife, with a similar number (78%) agreeing that economic stimulus funding should be used to help communities and the environment recover from the bushfires and drought.

“This research shows people want to see government investment to create jobs and stimulate the economy while helping our landscapes recover,” said Dr Adrian Zammit, CEO of Landcare NSW.

“With thousands of Australians looking for work, the Government needs to be proactive in job-creation schemes and collaborate with Landcare organisations who know their local landscapes and are ready to create meaningful work that will leave a lasting legacy for the environment which has been severely impacted by fires and drought,” he said.

The polling comes off the back of data showing that there has been a 134% increase in people actively looking for work through the Federal Government’s JobActive program over the first six months of 2020. There were 1.4 million people looking for work in the second quarter of 2020, which is an increase of 821,000 people compared to the final quarter of 2019.

Funding practical environmental work came in as the second most popular (75% support) out of 12 options for keeping people in regional communities employed, second only to increasing funding for training and apprenticeships (78%).

More than 70 conservation and farming organisations, including Landcare, National Farmers Federation, NRM Regions Australia, Australian Land Conservation Alliance, and Pew Charitable Trusts, are calling on state and federal governments to fund thousands of jobs undertaking practical conservation activities.

A recent report by Ernst & Young, commissioned by the alliance, found that a $4 billion national conservation and land management employment program would create 53,000 jobs, reduce welfare costs by $620 million and raise economic output by $5.7 billion over the next four years, with economic gains rising to $9.3 billion over the next 20 years. 

National Landcare Network CEO Jim Adams said the polling indicated broad support nationwide.

“Australians are overwhelmingly supportive of COVID-recovery initiatives that can keep people in work while also helping damaged landscapes recover,” he said

“They see that practical initiatives to help plant trees, restore degraded river systems and eradicate noxious weeds and feral animals are an ideal way to help improve our landscapes while also ensuring communities survive this tough period.”

“Landcare has a 30-year track record of managing projects and partnerships on the ground to support agriculture and conservation, building community spirit in the process. As a grassroots community movement that is well-governed with high professional standards it is a reliable and cost-effective option for government expenditure,” said Dr Zammit.

A program summary can be found here See program summary here.

A summary of the polling results can be found here.

 

Landcare Week 3 – 9 August 2020

Get connected with the environment in your local community.

Landcare Week celebrates and acknowledges the thousands of Landcare groups, networks, coordinators, other environmental care groups, and volunteers working on conservation and sustainable land management activities in their local area. You may wish to mark the week by inviting your local Member of Parliament to join the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL). To do this, download a template letter here and please attach the PFL application form.

This year National Landcare Week will run from August 3 to 9 and celebrates the strength of Landcare and its ability to support the needs of a diverse community and respond to issues, such as drought and bush fires.

Connecting with nature improves your mental and connection to place. Landcare is about the partnerships created by local communities to restore and protect their local environment.

To be able to do this Landcare often partners with a range of groups, government agencies and non-profit organisations.

In 2019 Landcare NSW continued its partnership with the NSW Local Land Services to deliver the new NSW Landcare Program.

The program aims to improve the health of our environment and natural resources through greater participation in Landcare activities.

As part of the program, 72 part-time local coordinators and 12 regional coordinators across NSW are employed to support Landcare initiatives from grass roots activities to regional scale activities.

You can support your local group activities and meet other people who have a shared vision for conservation and sustainable land management. No matter where you live there is a group near you managing a local environmental issue. Find your local Landcare group here.

REPRESENT YOUR REGION ON THE LANDCARE NSW COUNCIL

The Landcare NSW Council plays a key role in guiding the strategic direction of Landcare in NSW and the work of Landcare NSW.

Now is the time to start considering who will represent your region.

All Landcare regions will soon receive a Council Representative Endorsement pack via email which will guide you through the endorsement process.

If you are interested in representing your region, are part of a Member Group of Landcare NSW and part of your regional network, you are eligible to be nominated as the regional representative. But please note this decision will be made at a regional network level.

WHO IS THE LANDCARE NSW COUNCIL?

Members of the Landcare NSW Council are endorsed regional representatives from each Landcare region in NSW. Councillors act as the conduit between local Landcare Groups and Landcare NSW, ensuring that the work and strategic direction of Landcare NSW are aligned with the needs of the NSW Landcare community. You can find out who is part of your regional representation here.

WHY REPRESENT YOUR REGION ON LANDCARE NSW COUNCIL?

Landcare NSW Council guide the direction of Landcare NSW and Landcare in NSW. By becoming part of the Landcare NSW Council you can help shape the future of Landcare NSW and Landcare in NSW.

You can have a direct say in our strategies by being part of the Landcare NSW Council and be one of the many voices that guides us into the future.

You can also vote at our Annual General Meeting and meet like-minded members at special events.

Council meet quarterly and each Landcare regional network has an elected representative.

WHAT ARE THE REGIONS CURRENTLY ON THE COUNCIL?

Central Tablelands Landcare Network

Central West Natural Resource Management Working Group

Greater Sydney Landcare Network

Hunter Regional Landcare Network

LachLandcare

Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection

Murrumbidgee Landcare

Murray Region Landcare Collective

North Coast Regional Landcare Network

New England North West Landcare

South East Landcare

Western Landcare

 

NSW Landcare Program Update – July

The NSW Landcare Program is moving towards online delivery for the remainder of the year.

As Landcarers know, there is nothing better than getting together to hear of accomplishments, debate ways forward, design new projects and just celebrate being in Landcare with people who care about our land and its future. Sadly, this avenue of face to face options has diminished as we continue to work with COVID-19 restrictions. We will not be able to hold a State-wide Gathering for our Local and Regional Landcare Coordinators and Host Organisation members this calendar year.

The NSW Landcare Program Team under the guidance of Landcare NSW and Local Land Services will instead deliver an online series of webinars, chats and innovative live broadcasts to help answer questions and guide Landcare support activities in NSW for the remaining of 2020.

To help plan activities a calendar of webinars will be released August 2020. The online events will pick up on the themes that were planned for the Gathering, but have also have drawn on the core skills survey, feedback from other webinars and the Community of Practice planning to ensure both content and delivery is in tune with direct needs. They will be recorded and will be available online, to Local and Regional Coordinators as well as Host Organisations, through our information and communications systems such as Gateway. We are aware that many Landcarers will already be engaging in other events on line and the calendar is to help with planning.

Our plan is to make them innovative, informative, fun, engaging and stimulating…Always up for a challenge!

Look out for the online webinar calendar soon with further updates of the NSW Landcare Program’s successful first year and snapshots of what the Landcare community is up to across the state.

 

Landcare NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2022

I am pleased to present the Landcare NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2022 which has been developed in consultation with the NSW Landcare community with input and guidance from Landcare NSW Musters, Landcare NSW Council, Executive Committee and staff.

Landcare is a grassroots, iconic Australian institution that works endlessly to improve the health of our environment, farms and communities, delivering well over $500 million a year in triple bottom line benefits to NSW.

Landcare NSW is the peak body for community Landcare in NSW, representing the interests of around 60,000 Landcarers and approximately 3,000 Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare, Dunecare, Rivercare and other ‘care’ groups.

The Landcare community’s passion, knowledge, dedication and effort underpins the Landcare movement’s unique value proposition, which in turn provides the building blocks and impetus for Landcare NSW’s continued growth and development.

I believe Landcare NSW has an exciting future.

This strategy is focused on the priorities of the State body but recognises that the purpose and guiding mission of Landcare NSW is to deliver what community Landcare needs in NSW.

Make no mistake – everything that is included in this strategic plan is for the benefit of the Landcare community. Landcare NSW is an enabler for Landcare groups in NSW to grow and prosper, to acquire the skills and resources they need to do the work on the ground.

The strategy is about evolution, innovation, collaboration, partnerships and growth. Building on Landcare’s 30-year history, heritage and track record of delivery, Landcare NSW has set out clear priorities that will deliver the resources and services the Landcare community needs to ensure a thriving future for the Landcare movement in NSW.

We hope you enjoy reading about the future direction of Landcare NSW. Please feel free to contact us with questions, feedback and comments: administration@landcarensw.org.au

Yours sincerely,

Dr Adrian Zammit | CEO
Landcare NSW Inc.

 

Landcare NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2022 

Landcare NSW COVID-19 update – July 2020

As we move into the second half of the year, the days and months since the first official announcement of COVID-19 have changed the framework of how we conduct our lives and work. 

In an environment where each week and day can be different from the next, we would like to reach out to remind you to continue to take appropriate measures within your Landcare workplace and work sites.

As of July 6, the NSW Government states that no more than 20 people are allowed to gather outside in a public place and all businesses can now open and operate under the one person per 4 square metre rule.

For some types of businesses, you are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan. Find out about developing a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business.

Ongoing recommendations remain in place for any vulnerable members of the community.

For many of our Landcare groups this has been a trying time and we would like to thank our entire community for the flexibility and strength that they have shown in these past months.

However, we would remind our members who have insurance through Ceneta and Community Underwriting, of the statement they released on Friday March 20 via Landcare NSW stating that:

“The advice they have given for Landcare groups holding events is as follows:

– We are unable to cover events where the attendees exceed either the current federal or state advice for public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups.

– Where events are conducted with attendees less than the government recommendation, we recommend an organisation to undertake a risk assessment taking in the government advice.

An update as of July 6, 2020 is as follows:

If the groups are acting within the government rules and taking all reasonable care and precautions, there would seem to be no reason an event could not proceed, particularly if their own risk assessment suggests it is O.K.

There is no exclusion for COVID-19 in the policy wording but reinsurers globally are moving fairly quickly to impose them.

All new business and renewals from 1 July will be subject to new wordings which include a Listed Human Disease Exclusion.

As the majority of Landcare groups renewed before the new policy wording was released on 1 July, they are subject to the original wording which does not exclude COVID19.

However please note that Indemnity under any policy depends on the specific facts of any particular incident and terms and conditions.”

This response remains in place and is guided by the State and Federal guidelines.

We encourage you to speak directly to your insurance provider should you have event specific queries and visit NSW Health to see updated guidelines in response to each event you hold.

Additionally, NSW Workplace Health and Safety has guidelines and a risk assessment in response to COVID-19 to help guide you and your activities during this time.

Here at Landcare NSW our staff are still working remotely where practicable and we are registered as a COVID-19 safe workplace.

As always, we are only a phone, email, or social media message away.

Stay up to date with current advice as circumstances change and review your activities and risk management accordingly. Visit www.health.nsw.gov.au.

Above all, practice healthy hygiene and always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

MEDIA RELEASE – Landcare NSW keen to create environment jobs for economic stimulus

Landcare NSW keen to create environment jobs for economic stimulus

Landcare NSW is part of a coalition of 70 conservation and farming organisations calling for a large-scale investment in conservation and land management by all levels of government.

A report delivered by Ernst & Young and released by Pew Charitable Trusts, found that a $4 billion national conservation and land management employment program would create 53,000 jobs, reduce welfare costs by $620 million and raise economic output by $5.7 billion over the next four years.

“The ‘Delivering economic stimulus through the conservation and land management sector’ report highlights the need and ability for organisations such as Landcare NSW to deliver large scale, high quality conservation and land management programs,” says Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit.

“Landcare is a well-established community movement with projects ready to go; we are ready to scale up our activities to create jobs and help local economies.”

“This is a hugely beneficial investment, both for the government and the wider community. By investing in this positive initiative, we will see enormous social, economic and environmental benefits in the short, medium and long term.”

“The NSW Landcare community stands ready to scale up in response to the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19, bushfires and drought. We have the skills and knowledge,” said Dr Zammit.

The investment would fund practical activities such as tree planting, weed control and restoration of rivers, wetlands and coastal habitats especially in areas whose economies hard hit by COVID-19 and natural disasters.

“Landcare in NSW has the infrastructure in place, which means funding would not get wasted setting up new bureaucracies but would go straight to local jobs through an established community-based organisations.”

In partnership with the NSW Government and NSW Local Land Services, Landcare has a central team, 73 Local Landcare Coordinators and 11 Regional Landcare Coordinators who assist in the running of Landcare groups and implementation of projects across the state.

Media contact:
Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit
e: azammit@landcarensw.org.au
p: 0487 767 955

Landcare NSW COVID-19 update

Please check the NSW Government website for the most up to date information.

We understand that you may have many questions on what to do with your Landcare group as restrictions are eased. The NSW Government has eased certain restrictions with further changes coming from 1 July.

We’d like to update you on the measures we’re taking at Landcare NSW.

To ensure we are providing a safe workplace, Landcare NSW has registered as a COVID Safe business. However, there are some things that need to be completed but we are on our way.

We strongly recommend all Landcare NSW member groups complete the check list for your workplaces (offices, events, working bee site, etc) and register as a safe work place:

  • Register at https://www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe
  • Download and complete the check lists
  • You should complete the list with staff, volunteers before going to the next step
  • Register as a COVID19 safe workplace (including volunteers)
  • Display this on all sites (website, social media, etc).

If any groups can not comply with this then they are NOT COVID Safe. It is up to your group to ensure that you are acting consistently with current regulations.

All volunteer Landcare activities must be conducted in accordance with current legal requirements in place in NSW. Rules regarding gatherings and movement outside of home have changed and are likely to continue to change. It is up to you and your group to ensure you act in accordance with these requirements and check with your insurance provider before undertaking activities.

For all insurance related questions, please contact your insurance provider directly.

Pay particular attention to the guidelines that apply to vulnerable people, who are encouraged to continue to stay home and protect their health, or take extra precautions when out and about.

For many of our Landcare groups this is a time of change and we would like to thank our entire community for the flexibility and strength that they have shown in these past weeks and months.

Stay up to date with current advice as circumstances change and review your activities and risk management accordingly. Above all, practice social distancing, healthy hygiene and always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Thousands of new trees to be planted across Greater Sydney

The NSW Government is investing nearly $5 million to plant thousands of new trees across  Greater Sydney to expand the city’s green canopy in partnership with Greening Australia and Landcare NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the partnerships will see 172,000 new trees planted in Greater Sydney’s parks, schools and communities over the next two-and-a-half years, with the first 32,000 to be planted by the end of 2020.

“We have connected with leading environmental organisations to increase our tree canopy cover, cool our communities and create great new green public spaces across the city,” Mr Stokes said.

“New trees today mean more healthy shaded public spaces and beautiful tree-lined streets for communities to enjoy now and for years to come.”

The NSW Government has signed two contracts totaling $4.77 million for:
–  100,000 trees to be planted across Greater Sydney, with a focus on Western Sydney with Landcare NSW; and
–  72,000 trees to be planted across parks and community spaces and schools across Greater Sydney with Greening Australia.

The two new partnerships will contribute to the NSW Government’s ambitious target to plant     one million trees by 2022.

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit said the project will help support the development of green spaces across Greater Sydney.

“With the support of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network we will help grow native canopy to cool our city with Landcarers helping landowners and community members participate in tree planting activities.

“Our shared challenge is not only to get the trees in the ground but to monitor and provide education to ensure they survive.”

Greening Australia’s Nature in Cities Director Paul Della Libera said the ‘Cooling the Schools’ program will establish native habitats and help cool urban areas.

“By working together with schoolchildren across Greater Sydney to increase the tree canopy cover in their neighbourhoods, we can lower temperatures and create healthier communities for both people and wildlife. This is particularly important in urban areas given rising summer temperatures.

“We will be partnering with Western Sydney University to identify and prioritise the communities with the lowest canopy cover and greatest vulnerability to the urban heat island effect.”

MEDIA:

Jodie Lovel Landcare NSW | 0439 316 151 

Courtney Taylor DPIE | 0499 699 226

Environmental leaders call for $4 billion boost to support economic recovery

MEDIA RELEASE

15th April, 2020

Environmental leaders call for $4 billion boost to support Australia’s economic recovery

Landcare NSW is one of over 70 environmental and farming groups that have signed a proposal to the Australian Government to create 24,000 jobs in land rehabilitation through a post-pandemic stimulus package.

The $4 billion plan would apply the skills and infrastructure of these respected organisations to the massive task of rebuilding the economy when the COVID 19 situation transitions from crisis to recovery.

The goal is to create jobs and economic stimulus by activating land management and conservation projects across the nation.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, says the nation-building proposal represented a remarkable show of unity by organisations that offer an extraordinary depth of experience, skill and commitment to conservation and agriculture.

The stimulus package would get the recently unemployed back into jobs where they would be engaged in meaningful work to help the land recover after the devastation of natural disasters.

“Drought, followed by catastrophic bushfires and flash flooding, have wreaked havoc on farms, landscapes and communities, and on-ground recovery work has been curtailed due to regulations to contain the virus,” says Dr Zammit.

“A national environmental stimulus package will help communities and landscapes to recover from the economic impact of COVID 19 and the financial and social impacts of the recent natural disasters.”

“Across Landcare alone there are tens of thousands of Australians actively involved in environmental action across all types of land tenure.”

“Stimulating community Landcare offers a huge opportunity to employ a workforce in improving the sustainability of our communities, environment and agricultural sectors,” says Dr Zammit.

Jobs in areas such as weed and pest control, river and catchment restoration and the repair of habitat and infrastructure damaged by fire would ensure tens of thousands of workers across NSW would be supported beyond the immediate crisis. The program would include funding for private land conservation by farmers and other land managers, tree-planting in urban and rural areas, coastal habitat restoration in partnership with communities and the fishing industry and marine plastics clean-up projects.

Media Release: 20 04 15 – Environmental Leaders call for $4 billion boost to support Australia’s economic recovery