Local Landcare Coordinator strengthens rural community conservation
A new Local Landcare Coordinator based in Berrigan Shire Council office has strengthened Landcare support locally through building relationships, attending meetings, and offering on-ground advice. Local Landcare presence means improved access and boosted capacity for community to plan restoration works, apply for grants and explore reintroduction of rare locally native plant species.
Capacity building - LEP_23-030_LLC007
The issue
For many years Landcare support has been limited in Berrigan Shire due to the absence of a locally based Landcare coordinator. The nearest Landcare offices were located 70 to 100 kilometres away, making it difficult for the Berrigan community to access timely support, build relationships with coordinators or collaborate on projects. Although the community remained active through groups like Berrigan Conservation and Tidy Town Committee, their ability to access technical knowledge and secure grant funding was limited.
The solution
In 2025, for the first time a Local Landcare Coordinator (LLC) was based in Berrigan Shire Council offices. Employed under the RGA Landcare umbrella (based in Deniliquin), the newly appointed coordinator brought a strong background in natural resource management and environmental restoration.
The local placement allowed the LLC to meet face to face with the Berrigan Conservation and Tidy Towns Committee, including at committee meetings and at site visits, providing on ground advice. Advice included guidance on revegetation, rare native species reintroduction and technical information on suitable native flora.
The presence of a locally accessible coordinator has allowed for direct collaboration with groups and individuals and has the potential for more environmental projects across the region.
The impact
- Improved access and communication: community can drop in at the council for Landcare support and advice.
- Strengthened local relationships: better opportunities for collaboration through face-to-face meetings.
- Increased NRM technical support: groups can receive expert NRM advice.
- Local projects support: conversations have started around how to further develop and improve projects.
Key facts
- With the wholistic support of community, government and individuals, Landcare is local hands making a lasting impact.
- RGA Landcare supports rural and regional communities, expanding its reach to foster connection, sustainability and on-ground action across the landscape.