Barraba Landcare Group Formation
Barraba Landcare Group Formation
Endangered species and river health are high priority for many people.
Community Participation -
LP023-008
The issue
No local Landcare group present in the community
The solution
The schools and many community members welcomed the idea of a local Landcare group and nearly all mentioned the Manilla River that flows through the town as an area to focus on.
A preliminary stakeholder meeting was held in June 2021 with Local Land Services, Tamworth Regional Council, Tamworth Regional Landcare, Oz Fish Unlimited, Northern Slopes Landcare, Friends of Barraba Trees and Barraba Landholders. We met at the park and walked along the river. The meeting identified many opportunities in the Barraba community for on ground projects, especially the Manilla River. All stakeholders were interested in supporting future projects if a group was formed.
The impact
An Expressions of Interest Volunteer Meeting was to be held online soon after. Everyone was keen to get a project up and running and the Barraba Landcare Group was formed. The group recognised that starting small with supporting the work that was being done at the Bicentennial Park and along the Manilla River would be a good start.
The Barraba Group has now had two meetings and is working with the local Landcare coordinator to submit their first funding application. The group are focusing on improving biodiversity and habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and restoration work along the Manilla River.
Key facts
- The people in local communities really do want to look after their patch
- A Landcare Coordinator's role is to support and increase the capacity of these individuals and communities
- Endangered species and river health are high priority for many people.