Building Community Capacity for Landscape-Scale Change
A coordinated, region-wide approach to strengthening landholder knowledge, leadership, and networks to enable long-term, community-led environmental outcomes across the Murrumbidgee.
Capacity building - LEP23_036_RASO10_2
The issue
Landholders and community groups across the Murrumbidgee region face increasing pressure from climate variability, biodiversity decline, and changing land management expectations. While interest in sustainable practices is strong, many individuals lack the confidence, technical knowledge, and support networks required to implement and sustain change.
Traditional project-based engagement models often result in short-term participation, with limited long-term behavioural change or leadership development within communities.
The solution
Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc implemented a structured, multi-layered community capacity building model designed to move beyond one-off engagement toward sustained behavioural change. This approach combined targeted, practical workshops on climate-resilient land management, soil health, and revegetation with the establishment of peer-to-peer learning networks that encouraged collaboration and shared problem-solving among landholders. Acting as a knowledge broker, the organisation connected research providers, government programs, and local practitioners to ensure the latest science was translated into practical application. In parallel, leadership development opportunities were created through facilitation training and project delivery roles, enabling community members to take on active leadership within their local landscapes.
The impact
This coordinated approach has resulted in increased adoption of best-practice land management across participating properties and strengthened local Landcare networks through improved participation and retention. Landholders report greater confidence in decision-making and a stronger ability to implement sustainable practices, while a growing number of community leaders are emerging to drive local initiatives. Importantly, the program has improved alignment between on-ground activities and broader regional environmental priorities. By investing in people as well as projects, the initiative has created a multiplier effect, extending the benefits of initial investment well beyond the life of individual activities.