MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today encouraged local Landcare networks and community-based organisations to consider applying to host a Local Landcare Co-ordinator in their community.
Applications opened yesterday as part of the State Government’s $15 million NSW Local Landcare Co-ordinator Initiative that will unlock the full potential of conservation volunteers throughout the state over the next four years.
Mr Marshall said Local Land Services and Landcare NSW were calling for applications from eligible community-based organisations to host up to 60 part-time Local Landcare Co-ordinator positions.
“The government is committed to improved management of our natural environment and to working closely with the Landcare movement to build community capacity and resilience,” Mr Marshall said.
“These locally-based co-ordinators will work with local community groups and networks such as Landcare, to connect with their communities and to focus on projects that will make a difference to the environment and reflect what local communities want to achieve.
“Restoring local sites is why many Landcare volunteers became involved in the network in the first place and this will give them a chance to focus on that work.
“The program will allow more effective participation of volunteers, landholders and the wider community in natural resource management activities that manage and restore the natural environment, improve the sustainability of agricultural production, and build the resilience of communities.”
The Local Landcare Co-ordinator Initiative has been designed to put Landcare on a more sustainable funding footing, with the majority of the funds going to these coordinator positions.
A Landcare Future Fund Initiative will also be established to ensure resources are dedicated to developing options for Landcare’s future financial sustainability.
Further information and application guidelines can be downloaded from www.lls.nsw.gov.au
Completed applications must be lodged by email by 5pm on Wednesday, 14 October 2015.