Intrepids making Local Landcare Coordinator redundant
Western Sydney Intrepid Landcarers plan, carry out and achieve outcomes for landholders
Building our Future - LLCI035-006
The issue
The Hawkesbury River runs proudly through the Hawkesbury area on Sydney's NW outskirts. Unfortunately as with most rivers, weeds run rampant along its banks. Additionally, in some areas water erosion from motorised water craft are de-stabilising the banks of this magnificent river. Time poor landholders along the Hawkesbury can be aware of the weeds and erosion issues, but most never get around to doing anything about it. One landholder, contacted Hawkesbury Landcare Network and requested that an Intrepid Group do some restoration works on the banks of the river from their property, located in North Sackville.
The solution
The Intrepid group was contacted by Hawkesbury LLC, who sprang into action to plan a weekend long Western Sydney Intrepid Group event, to begin addressing the weed and erosion issues identified. Hawkesbury Landcare sponsored catering for the weekend, but the Intrepids did all the liaising with the landholder, ordered the plants and organised equipment and tools. Over ten Intrepid members attended the weekend, which proved rewarding and advantageous as the property contributed to other Landcare projects on properties on the other side of the river and, an Intrepid led event seemed like a time efficient model for the LLC, who was busy elsewhere.
The impact
On-ground outcomes were achieved by the implementation of this event, including weed control and revegetation, the latter contributing to the stabilisation of the river bank. The greatest impact however, was on the model this has set up for future works with Hawkesbury Landcare and Western Sydney Intrepid Landcare. The formalisation of a young group of adults doing all the preparatory work and then offering their time for Landcare activities will be utilised as a model for better Landcare capacity in the Hawkesbury from now on. Additionally, the group came together and built valuable relationships through the event.
Key facts
- Young adults are an amazing resource in the Landcare industry
- Intrepid Landcare does work
- Landcare Networks and Intrepid Landcare groups need to do more events and activities in partnership
- LLCs can play a great role in encouraging and mentoring Intrepid landcarers