Using Expression of Interest process to engage landholders in new projects
Using an open invitation multi-media EOI process to engage landholders in new local landcare projects in the Upper Clarence region
Local Links - Stronger Communities - LLCI033-041
The issue
The Upper Clarence rural community has a historically low level of participation in NRM and Landcare activities. This project was designed to determine whether an open invitation seeking EOI in a project would elicit a better-than-usual response from landholders. The topic of this project "pasture trials" was aimed at encouraging a wide range of graziers not typically involved with landcare to participate by seeing a non-threatening outcome of relevance to the sustainability and profitability of their grazing operations.
The solution
A documented process for the "Expression of Interest" was developed, using:
- awareness and communication initiatives, including a one-page flier displayed in villages locally, released to local newspaper and local council and school newsletters, posted on Facebook page and advised locally in personal communications.
- development of an initial response process, including a one-page response form aiming for a critical staged planning approach, providing UCCL information from which to assess proposals
- development of an assessment process
- identification of potential implementation partners
The impact
The immediate outcome of this process was an understanding of the different processes required when an alternative procedure is being used with the UCCL organisation. The process also required a different mechanism to planning plus an innovative approach to further local ways of disseminating information. The outcomes of this approach, whether positive or negative, will inform UCCL's future methods of reaching landholders.
Key facts
- a new approach in the local organisation to reaching landholders
- a documented approach to a new project that is relevant and non-threatening
- choosing a lead-in project to sustainable agricultural practices in a community of low engagement with Landcare