Partnership Meetings
Prioritising Landcare and Local Land Services Relationships in the Murray
Capacity building - LEP_23-020_RLC06
The issue
A strong partnership between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW has been in place since 2015 with a Memorandum of Understanding that supports the delivery of a state-wide program that empowers people to take action on local problems and deliver outcomes locally and regionally.
Within the Murray region, a long-standing partnership and good relationship between Murray Local Land Services (MLLS) and Landcare, has always been a priority. The Landcare Enabling Program gave us the opportunity to strengthen and improve the relationship with an increased focus on collaboration and communication.
The solution
The Murray Regional Landcare Coordinators (RLCs) and key MLLS staff met over several meetings to re-orient our common goals and objectives to design a partnership strategy based on active engagement, mutual respect and core business delivery. One key element was instigating regular partnership meetings to be held every two months attended by MLLS and Landcare representatives. Anchored by a Terms of Reference, these meetings foster collaboration and develop strong networks and also give the opportunity to share updates, personnel changes and any issues that may arise.
The impact
The partnership meetings are important as they under-pin the broader partnership between MLLS and Landcare, however many forms of connection and communication are essential for maintaining the relationship and an ongoing commitment by both parties. Other elements include fostering the relationship between the regional roles Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) and RLCs and participating in many activities and projects together. Throughout the year we actively support each other’s funding applications and delivery of projects, form consortia when needed, host regular RLC and SAF catchups, Murray Landcare Collective Meetings, contribute to the monthly Murray Regional Roundup e-newsletter, share an events calendar and co-host events.
This important relationship between Landcare and LLS will continue to be nurtured within the Murray region in as many ways as possible to support shared Landcare and sustainable agriculture outcomes.
Key facts
- building on a long-standing partnership between Local Land Services and Landcare in the Murray region
- partnership meetings held every two months with Murray RLCs and MLLS staff
- meetings aim to foster collaboration to improve the Murray region’s Landcare communities and environment
- partnership is more than just meetings - regular engagement and collaboration at many levels is important to foster the relationship