Unveiling the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027
Introducing the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: For Local and Regional Coordinators
We are excited to announce the launch of the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators, a remarkable initiative aimed at enhancing Landcare efforts across New South Wales. This program, administered by the Department of Regional NSW and funded by Local Land Services, signifies a significant step towards empowering local communities to care for their natural environment and agricultural systems. Here, we provide an overview of this initiative and how it will benefit Landcare groups throughout the region.
Program Objectives
The primary objective of the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027 is to facilitate the employment of local and regional Landcare coordinators and regional administration support officers in 11 NSW Local Land Services regions. These roles will play a pivotal role in achieving the following objectives:
1. Enhancing Capacity: The program aims to increase the capacity of Landcare groups by providing coordinators with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to produce effective outcomes.
2. Efficiency Improvement: It seeks to improve the efficiency of Landcare groups and networks by increasing the volume of Landcare activities relative to resource inputs.
3. Financial Sustainability: By leveraging investment and activating a diverse range of funding sources, the program intends to enhance the self-sufficiency of Landcare groups and networks.
Program Details
The NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027 will employ local and regional Landcare coordinators, as well as regional administration support officers in each of the 11 Local Land Service regions across NSW. These coordinators will implement strategies to drive the program's objectives forward.
Eligible applicants for this program must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Landcare NSW member organization (currently paid) or a regional Landcare NSW body as listed in Schedule 1 of the Constitution Landcare NSW Limited (27 July 2022).
- Be an incorporated entity or company limited by guarantee.
- Be located within one of the 11 Local Land Services regions.
- Have $20 million of public liability insurance or be willing to obtain this before entering a funding deed.
- Possess an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Types of Projects Funded
The NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators has allocated up to $33.12 million in funding to eligible applicants/host organizations. This funding will support the employment of up to a total of 83 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles, for the Central Tablelands this includes:
- 5.75 FTE local Landcare coordinators.
OR
- 05.5 FTE regional administration support officers.
- 1 FTE regional Landcare coordinator.
Successful applicants can utilize the funding to cover employment costs for these roles, including remuneration, superannuation, leave entitlements, annual leave loading, and workers' compensation, until 30 June 2027. Additionally, funding can be allocated to cover operational costs, up to a maximum of 10% of the grant funding, including phone and internet usage, travel expenses, administrative expenses (e.g., bookkeeping, insurance, audit, human resources), and capital expenditure (limited to $5000 per item).
Application Deadline
Interested organizations are encouraged to apply for this exceptional opportunity before the application deadline, which is 3 November 2023.
Please refer to the Program Guidelines (PDF 260.07KB) and Frequently asked questions for more information.
The NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators represents a significant investment in the future of Landcare efforts in New South Wales. By strengthening local capacity and promoting sustainability, this program will undoubtedly contribute to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment and agricultural systems. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this initiative will have on our communities and the environment.