What matters most – biannual survey of the Landcare and Bushcare community in Sydney
What matters most – biannual survey of the Landcare and Bushcare community in Sydney
Surveying Landcare, Bushcare and environmental volunteers, professionals, government and buisnesses.
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI012-20
The issue
With more than 12,000 square kilometres, and a population of more than four million people, understanding the challenges and opportunities facing environmental volunteering is difficult – particularly if you’ve only got two coordinators! We needed a fresh and accurate insight into the volunteering community within Sydney.
The solution
Phoning was the first method of contact, followed by emails; emails were also chosen when a physical contact number was not available, and in some cases interviews were conducted face-to-face. Broad survey reminder emails were sent out through our newsletter subscriber list (230 subscribers), advertised to our social media following (1050 likes and followers on Facebook) and on our website. It should be noted that although this survey covered a broad range of geographical regions and demographics, not every Bushcare, Landcare or environmental conservation group was, or was able to be surveyed. 124 people were surveyed.
The impact
Key findings have been de-identified and incorporate the feedback of those that were willing to be identified and those that wished to remain anonymous. The majority of groups in Sydney are Bushcare-related; Landcare groups are centred around rural and peri-urban fringes, with some groups travelling further afield or working under the ‘Landcare’ name on public land. Below is a summary of our findings:
- The biggest identified challenge was the fear of development
- There are clear geographical divisions, and Bushcare varies substantially between LGAs
- The power structure and hierarchy of natural resource management in the Sydney Basin in unclear
- Council, NGOs and volunteer Bushcare and Landcare do not always see ‘eye to eye’
- Council, NGO and NPWS resources are stretched thin, and Bushcare groups are feeling the pinch
- Youth engagement is a substantial challenge…
- … As is volunteer willingness to take on and train younger or less-experienced volunteers.
- For many volunteers, particularly from older or ethnic communities, Bushcare and Landcare is social
- An ageing workforce is carrying significant challenges to Bushcarers
- Many do not know the role of GSLN and are sceptical about the purpose of a membership based Network
Learnings
You can download the full report here.
Key facts
- 29 councils survey, 23 responded (79% success)
- 41 Businesses, NGOs and other government, 26 responded (63% success)
- 54 Landcare and Bushcare groups, 52 responded (96% sucess)