Building Strategic Relationships
Connecting organisations involved in natural resource management and community engagement across LGAs to ensure overall understanding, optimal outcomes and identify points for collaboration.
Collaborations - LP042-005
The issue
The Local Landcare Coordinator (LLC) identified that in each Local Government Area (LGA) in her area - Penrith City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, The Hills Shire Council and Blacktown City Council - there were multiple organisations with separate initiatives for the same or similar outcomes including environmental restoration, education, increasing community engagement for environmental initiatives and sustainability.
The organisations were unaware of each other or had a poor understanding of the services each one provided which resulted in unnecessary repetition of projects or roles in a space where resources are already limited.
Furthermore, residents were confused who to contact for different services causing further disengagement.
The solution
The LLC organised regular meetings between the relevant organisations in each LGA. Participants include the LLC as representative, the Local Control Authority Hawkesbury River County Council (HRCC), local Landcare group participants, additional organisations where relevant such as Greater Sydney Local Land Services and various staff from the local council including those dealing with bushland management, sustainability/environmental education, development applications, waterways and catchment health. This is funded through HRCC’s funding for an additional 2 days per week for the LLC role.
Each meeting involves an update from each organisation on current works, projects, planned projects and grants and discussions about potential collaborations. It provides an opportunity for organisations to offer support where their services could complement another’s project, examples below.
The impact
These meetings have become quarterly as per requests from attendees. They achieve greater unity, collaboration and communication between NRM organisations which corresponds to improved project outcomes, increased Landcare inquiries and greater volunteer engagement overall.
There are many instances of collaboration and complementary work that have resulted from these meetings.
For example, when Penrith Council began a bush regeneration grant project at Crossman Reserve, HRCC was able to offer 25 hours of in-kind weed management and weed inspections to identify weeds on private property and educate landholders on how to remove them. Another example of collaboration is the Blacktown group's identification of the need for an aquatic weed education program and that is now being developed between the council and HRCC staff.
Key facts
- 4 ‘NRM Meetings’ per year with stakeholders in 4 local government areas
- NRM organisations can complement each others’ work if regular communication is arranged
- Organisations need to understand the services that others in their region provide for optimal environmental outcomes