A Landcare approach to priority weed management
Working with the Local Control Authority to support residents and new Landcarers and groups
Collaborations - LP042 - 08
The issue
When Weeds Inspectors inspect private properties, they find priority weeds that must be removed and often meet residents who don’t know how to manage their bushland. When directed or recommend to remove priority weeds, landholders lack the support on what to replace weeds with or how to manage the bushland/paddock, which is beyond the capacity of HRCC to support. Additionally, many residents do not know about Landcare support in their area.
The solution
Hawkesbury River County Council’s (HRCC) hosts and matches the funding for the LLC, making it a full time role. HRCC's Weeds Inspectors work with the Local Landcare Coordinator and pass on information about HNLN with residents who seem interested or would like support. The Landcare coordinator then provides information about managing the weeds, native vegetation, any funding available such as through LLS or other sources. If neighbours are interested, the Landcare Coordinator will meet with a group of neighbours and potentially form a local group.
The impact
Many landholders who have been passed on to Landcare joined HNLN, regularly attend events and value the support system offered through Landcare. Many have also begun their own projects with Local Land Services or leverage other funding available through guidance from the LLC. Three new groups have also started this way in the past 3 years showing the value of the group and the Landcare role.
Learnings
There are challenges to this but overall it is a very beneficial model for both HRCC and HNLN with great return on investment from HRCC, their member council and Landcare NSW. We are happy to talk about this more. We encourage other LCAs and local councils to consider the value of Landcare and funding or matching funding for the role.
Key facts
- Local Control Authorities can raise awareness about Landcare and identify interested individuals.
- Together, LCA’s and Landcare can provide a service that is more holistic and sustainable, the one focusing on weed identification, security and management with the other providing follow up support and connecting landholders to a group that provide long-term support and community