Tag: Local Land Services NSW

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 

COORDINATOR GRANT CLOSING FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to Landcare and Landcare activities in NSW over the next 4 years through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.

Landcare NSW, in partnership with Local Land Services, will deliver the program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants

The first phase of the program will activate $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW.

Phase 1: NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators | NSW Government is currently open and applications will close 11:59pm this Friday 3 November 2023.
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Applications now open

Applications are now open for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants.

To view the program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, and to apply, head to www.nsw.gov.au/lep

Applications will close 11:59pm this Friday 3 November 2023. There will be no extensions to this deadline.

Local and regional coordinators play a key role in the program including:

  • supporting and facilitating the delivery of on-ground projects that care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems
  • strengthening the capacity of Landcarers by further developing their knowledge and skills
  • ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies and Landcare NSW
  • leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socio-environmental outcomes.

This funding also includes up to $5,000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the 4 year program.

The Landcare NSW and LLS partnership

Together, Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are committed to empowering local communities and Landcare groups and networks to deliver sustainable agriculture and to best manage the state’s natural resources.

NSW LANDCARE ENABLING PROGRAM 2023 – 2027

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to Landcare and Landcare activities in NSW over the next 4 years through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.

Landcare NSW, in partnership with Local Land Services, will deliver the program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership.

NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants

The first phase of the program will activate $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW.

Local and regional coordinators play a key role in the program including:

  • supporting and facilitating the delivery of on-ground projects that care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems
  • strengthening the capacity of Landcarers by further developing their knowledge and skills
  • ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies and Landcare NSW
  • leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socio-environmental outcomes.

This funding also includes up to $5,000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the 4 year program.

Applications now open

Applications are now open for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants.

To view the program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, and to apply, head to www.nsw.gov.au/lep

Applications close on Friday 3 November 2023 at 11:59pm.

Need more information?

Two webinars are being held to give applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the program and application process.

Register for the session that best suits you:

Landcare NSW and Local Land Services have worked closely with Landcarers to ensure this program meets the needs of Landcare and regional communities.

The Landcare NSW and LLS partnership

Together, Landcare NSW and Local Land Services are committed to empowering local communities and Landcare groups and networks to deliver sustainable agriculture and to best manage the state’s natural resources.

NSW LANDCARE AND LOCAL LAND SERVICES CONFERENCE A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

The 2022 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference was held on Thursday 17th March and for the first time it was an entirely online event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The existing three-day program was condensed into a single day of inspiring, informative and innovative presentations and discussions attended by over 250 attendees from across the state.

“Despite the challenges we have faced in the lead up to this conference, we were able to all come together. If we have learnt one thing in the last two years, it has been resilience and adaptability,” Landcare NSW Chair Ms Stephanie Cameron said.

Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron opened the conference.

“Landcare is needed now more than ever. It was so inspiring to see Landcarers from flood affected areas online and sharing their knowledge. Our thoughts and well wishes go out to those who have been and are still being impacted by the devastating floods.”

Hosted by War on Waste’s Craig Reucassal, the event was engaging from the very beginning with an incredible keynote address from Dr Chadden Hunter, producer of the wildlife series Planet Earth.

The day featured concurrent sessions around the theme of the conference: Rethink – Engaging Community; Recharge – Regenerative Agriculture/Land Management; Renew – Biodiversity/Regeneration.

The conference concluded with Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin and NSW Landcare Program Assistant Manager Deb Tkachenko asking the big questions of the over 250 delegates online with their interactive presentation, ‘Rethinking Landcare – Ask the big questions and get answers’.

Landcare NSW CEO Turlough Guerin asking the big questions!

“Thank you to everyone who presented at the conference and shared their knowledge, learnings and insights,” said Ms Cameron.

The conference was followed by a free, online awards ceremony for the prestigious 2021 NSW Landcare Awards where the winners for each of the eight Landcare Award categories were announced.

Acting Local Land Services Board Chair, Allison Harker said, “The quality of the nominations from all across the state were outstanding and after an extensive judging process we have been able to pick our finalists and ultimately the Grand Champions for the eight award categories.”

“The nominees should be proud of their achievements, particularly in the wake of cumulative natural disasters and tough seasonal conditions.

“These nominees have shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity and these awards are an excellent opportunity for us to say thank you to them and the wider Landcare community,” said Ms Harker.

For a full list of finalists and award winners for the 2021 NSW Landcare awards visit, www.nswlandcareconference.com.au

Grand champions of the NSW National Award categories will now go on to represent the whole NSW Landcare Community at the 2022 National Landcare Awards in Sydney.

NSW Landcare Program Gathering, Dubbo 2021

A key component of the NSW Landcare Program is the facilitation of a community of practice, or, ‘gathering’/workshop, for Program Participants (Host Organisations and Coordinators).

This type of forum has been identified as a key milestone for the Program. The opportunity for hosts and coordinators to come together from across the state to share experiences, learn with each other and from each other and to build personal relationships at both the regional and state scales, is seen as critical to building common understanding and capacity for our Landcarers.

Registrations are well over 100 now, with another 50 or so expected comprising of Landcare Coordinators, host organisation members and Regional Landcare Coordinators descending on Dubbo from 8-10 June.

With a key note address by Robbie Sefton, an inspirational communication specialist and farmer, plus guest trainers that will provide sessions that ‘Build Resilience, Not Burnout’ and ‘Whole Brain Thinking’ there is a lot to stimulate thought.

However, this Gathering is not only about learning and receiving information, the Program Team and Landcare NSW staff also want to hear from the Coordinators, hosts and their regions about what works well, the different ways of doing things and what could work better for Landcare into the future.

There are sessions requiring regional thinking and regionally responses, individual self selected optional trainings and plenty of time to confer and network.

Naturally it wouldn’t be Landcare without a few social opportunities and participants are encouraged to attend events at the Devils Hollow Brewery on the first night and the special Conference Dinner on the Wednesday night. If you would like more information, please contact the NSW Landcare Program Team.

Media Release: RETHINK, RENEW, RECHARGE: 2022 NSW LANDCARE & LOCAL LAND SERVICES CONFERENCE

Thursday, 26 November 2020 

RETHINK, RENEW, RECHARGE: 2022 NSW LANDCARE & LOCAL LAND SERVICES CONFERENCE 

Landcarers from around the state will converge on the far north coast community of Tweed Heads in 2022 for the NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference ‘Rethink, Renew, Recharge’. 

The conference was to be held next year, but unfortunately had to be postponed due to COVID–19 impacts. It will now take place on 15-17 March 2022 at the Twin Towns Conference and Function Centre in Tweed Heads.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said it would be fantastic to see the conference back after a three-year hiatus.  

“The NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference presents an opportunity to bring together critical stakeholders across the land management space so that we can explore the trends, insights and strategies being used across our State,” Mr Marshall said. 

“This means our land can be more diverse, productive and sustainable and we can empower landholders across the state to improve their local environment.  

“Landcare, in conjunction with other stakeholders such as NSW Local Land Service, are working on innovative and interesting projects – several of which I have been lucky enough to see firsthand, such as the rehydration projects west of White Cliffs.  

 “Any edge we can give those who care for our land, whether farmers, not-for-profits or Government, is critical as cycles become less predictable, and I can’t wait to see what concepts and ideas come out of the 2022 Conference to achieve this.”  

 Chairperson of Landcare NSW, Stephanie Cameron said it was exciting to announce the go-ahead for the conference on the beautiful north coast. 

“It will be particularly special for Landcarers to come together to learn and collaborating after tough times of drought, bushfires and COVID–19,” she said. 

‘Rethink, Renew, Recharge’ is hosted by Local Land Services and Landcare NSW with the support of the North Coast Regional Landcare Network. 

 The conference will bring together a range of environmentally-associated organisations representing industry, not-for-profits, governments, research bodies and businesses as well as grass-roots volunteers. 

 State Chair of Local Land Services Richard Bull said the conference is about recognising that every day, countless people across NSW are doing their bit to grow and protect healthy environments. 

 “It is about celebrating everyone’s efforts, from the farmer planting a corridor of trees on his or her property to the urban-based Landcare group cleaning up a local creek,” Mr Bull said. 

 The three-day event will feature expert speakers and testimonies of Landcarers from around the state who will challenge delegates to rethink how they can best care for land and waterways. 

 There will be chances for those at the conference to renew their efforts by tapping into the latest research and learning new skills such as new skills in areas such as coast care and regenerative agriculture. 

 A choice of field trips will be on offer, giving participants the opportunity to recharge the batteries through visiting successful project sites and local places of great natural beauty. 

The conference will also include the NSW Landcare awards. 

 The venue at Tweed Heads has been chosen because it is large enough to allow social distancing measures to be implemented if required. 

 More than 320 delegates and guests attended the most recent NSW Landcare and Local Land Services conference in Broken Hill last year. 

 “It will be great to see networks and partnerships that were forged in the outback in 2019 strengthened in the very different environment of the north coast in 2022,” said Chris Roberts from North Coast Regional Landcare Network. 

The last time the conference was held on the north coast was at Port Macquarie in 2007.  

Conference tickets will go on sale in 2021. Interested delegates and exhibitors can find updates at the conference website www.nswlandcareconference.com.au and by following ‘NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference’ on Facebook. 

Media: Matthew Burgess, NSW Local Land Services, 0412 795 307 

Samantha Stratton, Landcare NSW