Landcare

Landcare groups consist of volunteeers of all cultures, ages and backgrounds and have a common concern about the quality of land, water and vegetation in their local areas.

Between 1990 and 2000, the number of landcare groups in NSW increased from 81 to 1550.

In 2000, these 1550 landcare groups comprised approximately 30,000 members and undertook a vast array of projects across the state. The three most common issues addressed were weed control, revegetation and soil erosion by water.

The achievements of NSW landcare groups over the Decade of Landcare - 1990 to 2000, were compiled in the NSW Decade of Landcare Evaluation. The following case studies of landcare group projects are selected from this publication which contains 20 case studies from throughout NSW.

In 2004 there are more than 1,700 Lancare groups in operation.

For more information follow this link to the LandcareNSW website (opens in a new browser window)

Case Study 1 - THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXTENSIVE LANDCARE NETWORK

Organisations Involved

• Corowa and Districts Landcare Network: 200 members contributed 3,827 hours.
• Corowa, Urana, Culcairn and Lockhart Councils provided funding.
• 'Care' program and additional local business sponsorship provided grants.

Location

Murray Catchment; Murray Region

Situation / Why action was taken

The objective was to create an active, enthusiastic, strategically based landcare network. This would provide increased community awareness of environmental issues and an increased sharing of local environmental data.

What was done

A landcare coordinator was employed and the network of the Corowa, Redlands Mulwala, Rand-Walbundrie and Urana Landcare groups was formed. The group initiated a local government partnership with Corowa Shire, including a large on-going financial contribution. The network held 76 meetings, seven field days, three training days and one workshop.

Outcomes

On site

• Fieldwork included installing 10 km of fencing, and replanting 15 ha with 6,000 trees. Two hundred ha of planting was influenced by the project and 30 ha of remnant vegetation was enhanced.

Off site

• Increased community awareness and involvement in on-ground activities within the three local government areas and with all the local schools.

Key success factors

• The employment of a coordinator has resulted in the group members and coordinator working together to manage the workload; and the number and quality of projects has steadily increased.
• Varying strategies were effective for encouraging involvement in the four groups.

Lessons learned

• The project is ongoing and due for completion in May 2002. The network aim is to compile data relating to natural resource management issues and increase services, raise awareness and promote the best management practices across the network to share with local landcare groups.
• Implement record keeping and monitoring systems, reviewing projects against their initial objectives and monitoring outcomes over the longer term.

Contact person and details

Natasha Lappin, Landcare Coordinator / Natural Resource Officer, Phone 6033 0947.

Case Study 2 - RESTORATION OF LONG REEF AQUATIC RESERVE AND HEADLAND

Organisations Involved

• Reefcare: 60 members contributed 2,000 community hours
• Warringah Council
• Coastcare, NHT Bushcare and NSW EPA Grant

Location

Warringah; Sydney Harbour Region

Situation / Why action was taken

The remnant vegetation on the headland was threatened by weed invasion. The ever increasing denuded dunes were exposed to wind erosion and vandalism.

What was done

The group removed bitou bush and acacia and commenced a project of revegetation, to encourage an increase in wildlife diversity and abundance. In 52 field days 10,000 flowering coastal shrubs were planted over one hectare.

Outcomes

On site

• The group adopted an alternative method to the traditional Bradley method of bush regeneration, due to the large area involved. Large areas of bitou bush were replanted with propagated native grasses.

Off site

• The group wrote an alternative guide for coastal planting as local bushcare planting methods for tubestock did not apply well to planting in sand dunes, due to conditions such as dry winds or vandalism.
• Received Metro Pride 2000 "NPWS Urban Wildlife Habitat Restoration & Renewal Award"

Long term impacts / outcomes

• The headland will be restored to its natural native grassland.
• Biodiversity mapping of native species will expand to a website.

• Corporate sponsor days were already scheduled for future projects.
• The group continues to map and survey biodiversity and monitor environmental change of vegetation and rainfall.

Lessons learned

• Ongoing monthly working days will be required to remove any regrowth of bitou bush.
• A marine conservation project was proposed at the site, to extend dune conservation work, monitor migratory bird movements and biodiversity food chain movements.

Contact person and details

Penny Lanser, Reefcare, Phone 9972 2283.

Case Study 3 - SALT BUSH FOR SURVIVAL

Organisations Involved

• Fords Bridge Landcare Group: 24 members (14 properties) contributed 1,400 community hours.
• 'Care' program and West 2000 grants
• CSIRO

Location

Bourke; Western Region

Situation / Why action was taken

Drought was a major problem for graziers across the western catchment.

What was done

At the suggestion of the CSIRO 14 rural properties were planted with 14,000 salt bush seedlings. This project was the largest of its kind conducted within the Bourke district. A particular species of salt bush was chosen because of its ability to be harvested. Seeds collected were then used in future plantings to ensure the future sustainability of the newly revegetated area. In an attempt to nurture the young seedlings fences were erected.

Outcomes

On site

• The planting of salt bush to the area effectively drought-proofed the properties of several landowners.
• Drought-proof paddocks minimised the need for an irrigation water source and reduced the threat of future salinity related problems.
• An estimated 70 ha of perennial pastures was supported by the project.

Off site

• A new landcare network was established, despite the difficulty of maintaining such a large project and communicating over big distances.
• Increased community awareness.

Key success factors

• Extensive landowner participation
• CSIRO input

Lessons learned

• The salt bush can be utilised for future seed collection as it is renewable.
• Establishing the salt bush plants will initially require water.
• Several landholders have learnt to erect fences to assist with property maintenance.
• The group considered environmental monitoring after the project's completion in the initial planning stage.

Contact person and details

Julia Burnett, Fords Bridge Landcare Group, Phone 6872 2144.

For further information

Contact	:	John Dalton, NSW Landcare Coordinator
Address	:	State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards, 161 Kite St Orange 2800
Phone	:	02 6391 3787
Mobile	:	0428 330 114
Fax	:	02 6391 3744
Email	:	john.dalton@rlpb.org.au

WWW

:

http://www.landcarensw.org/