Enhancing Landcare programs

Program design and review builds better outcomes for Landcare

The issue

State-wide Natural Resource Management Programs enable scalable capacity building outcomes for New South Wales communities. The Landcare Enabling Program 2023 - 2027 is an example of a scalable state-wide Program
Funds are channelled through Local Land Services to Landcare New South Wales for dissemination across 11 Landcare regions, mirroring the 11 Local Land Service regions. Program delivery is progressed through regional Landcare staff based within their communities
Landcare New South Wales operates a State Advisory Council through representatives from Landcare regions which advocate regional issues to a state-wide forum
Monitoring, Evaluation and Review analyses Program outcomes
Other State organisations with Program oversight are the Grants Management Office and Natural Resources Commission

Local Land Services contracts Landcare New South Wales to develop and deliver required Program outcomes through subordinate contracts to Landcare regions and subsequently, their community-based, autonomous Landcare groups
A Joint Management Committee operates as a conduit between Local Land Services and Landcare New South Wales for decision making, overseeing Program implementation and enhancing processes, should changes to the Program be required
The Joint Management Committee is an important contact point as it considers topics from both the field (landholders etc.), and Government (Ministerial directions etc.), enabling the best outcomes consistent with current policy and resourcing

Adaptive Management enables review of both successes and challenges, building options for future efforts and investment
An Adaptive Review was undertaken by Local Land Services and Landcare New South Wales in March 2025, as a mid-term milestone
Personnel from each region met in Sydney with Program management staff from Local Land Services at a facilitated session where topics were workshopped by staff and community committee members
A Report outlining Adaptive Review findings was then forwarded to the Joint Management Committee, and the Natural Resources Commission for consideration towards any changes
Adaptive Review is dynamic and ongoing within the Program

Author: Keith Walker

The New South Wales State government has invested $59 million in the Landcare Enabling Program 2023 - 2027
The Landcare Enabling Program recognises Landcare is a holistic delivery model for both environmental outcomes, and the people interacting with natural resources
Monitoring Evaluation and Review is an essential process to critique Program success and challenges