Local Networks Have Their Say on Regional Opportunities

A regional process has been established that allows for proper consultation with Local Landcare Coordinators and their Networks.

Capacity to Deliver - NSWLP-016_004

The issue

From time to time Landcare NSW is approached by potential partners to participate in State wide projects. These opportunities then filter down to the regions and are offered by the Regional Landcare Coordinator for local Landcare Network take up. The challenge for the RLC is to communicate these opportunities effectively and allow sufficient time for coordinators and their committees to provide feedback regarding their participation in the project, activity or expression of interest.

A recent EOI coordinated by the RLC highlighted the need to establish a proper consultation process, as it was felt that insufficient time was allocated to the process to allow all Landcare Coordinators to comment on what may become a regional scale capacity building project. The activity has been successfully delivered in the region in the past however participation by Local Networks should never be assumed!

The solution

The solution was to develop a Consultation Process so that Local Coordinators, Committees and Landcare NSW staff understand the timeframe required to consult and develop an EOI. Essentially the process identifies that EOI’s are time sensitive; that 15 business days are required; that participation by individual networks is optional; that Local Coordinators may elect to deliver activities locally or that the project can be delivered by a regional Project Officer.

The impact

The new Consultation Process has been recently developed by the RLC as a response to the needs of the Local Coordinators and not yet put to the test. However, the anticipated outcomes of this process are that Landcare NSW and the RLC will be able to plan around this timeframe, allowing sufficient time for Local Landcare Coordinators to consult with their Committees.

Author: Sharon Cunial

Key facts

  • Local Networks need sufficient time to consider participating in a regional scale project.
  • A Consultation Process helps everyone understand what’s required in a given time.
  • A maximum of 15 business days is needed by Networks to properly respond to an EOI.