The NSW Government is 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 $5,000 for each local and regional coordinator role to undertake professional development over the course of the four 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.
Landcare NSW Chair, Stephanie Cameron said Landcare is needed now more then 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.”
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.
The NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, are available online at www.nsw.gov.au/lep.
Landcare NSW and Local Land Services have worked closely with Landcarers to ensure this program meets the needs of Landcare and regional communities.
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