Strengthening Landcare Through Collaborative Program Design
NCRLN Community of Practice 2026
Capacity building - LEP_23_033_NCRLN_12
The issue
The North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NCRLN) recognised that while the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (LEP) had significantly increased investment in community-led environmental action, there was a growing need to reflect on program delivery and inform the design of the next funding phase. Networks identified challenges including inconsistent implementation across regions, increasing administrative loads, reduced flexibility, delayed program components such as MERI and Phase 3, and insufficient baseline data to demonstrate impact. There was also concern that top-down program requirements were reducing the effectiveness of Landcare's community-led approach and local decision-making.
The solution
NCRLN convened two professionally facilitated Community of Practice workshops, bringing together Regional Leaders including Landcare Coordinators, network staff and volunteer executive members to collectively evaluate the LEP and develop recommendations for its future on the North Coast. Using structured discussions across themed sessions, participants explored the original intent of the program, reflected on achievements and challenges, and identified priorities for a future four-year investment model. The workshop promoted open dialogue, evidence-informed reflection and consensus building, ensuring that practical experiences from across the North Coast could inform future funding submissions, advocacy and program design.
The impact
The workshops produced a regionally informed vision for strengthening future Landcare investment. Participants identified priorities including greater funding flexibility, stronger support for Coordinators, improved Aboriginal engagement, practical regional support services, and the early establishment of robust monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement systems. The process also reinforced the value of collaboration, building consensus across diverse networks and creating a unified evidence base to support the development of a future North Coast LEP business plan. By capturing both achievements and lessons learned, NCRLN strengthened its capacity to influence future program design while ensuring that local knowledge remains central to Landcare delivery across the North Coast.