NSW Landcare enabling program

The NSW Landcare Enabling Project allows Local Land Services to support Landcare groups based across NSW with funding for coordinators and support staff.

Project objectives

The NSW Landcare Enabling Program will grow and strengthen the capacity of Landcare NSW groups to care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems by:

• increasing the knowledge, skill and experience capacity of Landcare to produce effective outcomes
• improving the efficiency of Landcare groups and networks by increasing the volume of Landcare activity relative to resource inputs
• increasing the self-sufficiency of Landcare groups and networks through leveraging investment to activate a diverse range of funding sources.

These objectives will be achieved through the employment of local and regional Landcare coordinators and regional administration support officers in 16 regional areas, many of which align with Local Land Service regions across NSW, who will help drive these outcomes.

Project background

Local Land Service and Landcare NSW have a common aim to deliver sustainable agriculture, improve NSW's natural resources and better manage landscapes.

Project status updates

2024 Landcare NSW Enabling Program State Gathering

In August, Local Land Services partnered with Landcare NSW to deliver the 2024 Landcare NSW Enabling Program State Gathering.

Held in the beautiful surrounds of Quarantine Station in Sydney, the gathering brought Landcare representatives from all around NSW together to connect, collaborate and build capacity.

Over the 3 days of the gathering, attendees heard:

• regional updates from Landcare groups and networks
• important updates on the NSW Landcare Enabling Program
• from Bush to Bowl, a social enterprise providing a platform for First Nations people by connecting to Country and their traditional foodways
• Paul Ryan from the Australian Resilience Centre about working with change
• a panel discussion about the Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator role and future opportunities
• about the connection to Country and the rich Aboriginal, European and Australian history of Quarantine Station.

The gathering was constructive with Local Land Services and Landcare NSW getting feedback on where resources are required, with attendees taking the learnings home to incorporate into their local groups, networks, partnerships and projects.

Project outcomes

A total of 16 Landcare groups based across NSW were successful in receiving funding for coordinators and support staff. This funding has been allocated for 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff, following a competitive grant and assessment process.

As part of the funding, each local and regional coordinator can also access up to $5,000 to undertake professional development over the course of the program.

See the recipients

How to get involved

Contact your local Landcare NSW group to find out more about the work they do and how to get involved. 

Funding and partnerships

Local Land Services are delivering the program as a continuation of their long-standing successful partnership with Landcare NSW.

The NSW Government has committed $59 million to Landcare and Landcare activities in NSW throughout the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.