The NSW Government is delivering on a major election commitment, launching the first phase of the $59 million NSW Landcare Enabling Program.
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 $5000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the 4-year program.
For the first time, support staff roles have also been included in the program to provide additional support with administrative tasks, allowing coordinators to focus on the delivery of on-ground projects.
Coordinator and support roles will be available in all 11 Local Land Services regions and can be subject to part time or job-sharing arrangements, where the need is demonstrated.
Funding to host coordinators and support roles will be awarded through a targeted competitive grant process administered by Local Land Services.
Funding will be available to incorporated Landcare NSW groups and regions to host a coordinator, or coordinators and newly created support roles.
Applications will open on Monday 9 October and close on Friday 3 November at 11:59pm.
Visit the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators for program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions.
Landcare NSW and Local Land Services have worked closely with land carers to ensure this program meets the needs of Landcare and regional communities.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“As a government, we understand the importance and the positive impact Landcare has across the country and throughout NSW.
“Our record investment in the program has paved the way for 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinator and support staff positions, which under the former program were only part-time roles.
“This boost will give coordinators more time to focus on what matters most and will result in improved facilitation and delivery of on-ground projects that care for our environment and improve agricultural productivity.
“We have also heard that regions need additional support with administrative tasks to ensure coordinators can focus on the delivery of on-ground projects, which is why we’ve created a support role for each region in this program.
“This new workforce will enable improved facilitation and delivery of on-ground projects and meet the growing needs of local and regional communities across NSW.
“Importantly, we recognise the challenges of recruiting in regional areas, so we have built flexibility into these roles allowing for part-time positions and job sharing where the need is demonstrated.”
Landcare NSW Chair Stephanie Cameron said:
“Landcare is needed now more than ever. The Landcare movement across NSW provides essential support services and harnesses the efforts of our dedicated volunteers to ensure our environment and communities are more resilient to extreme climate events and to protect our precious biodiversity while supporting sustainable agriculture.
“A supported Landcare community returns at least $4 for every $1 invested. This funding will go to local jobs that support rural and regional communities.
“The investment will include supporting leadership development heading into the next generation and the employment of 83 community leaders to help combat the increasing skills gap expected to occur over the coming decade in rural and regional NSW.”