This week members of Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) welcoming Minister Tara Moriarty and the Landcare NSW Board at the Murrumbateman Landcare Community nursery to discuss what our Landcare groups are doing and show the work of our volunteers in the nursery and the Climate Ready Revegetation project.
The Volunteer Landcare NSW Board hail from all across NSW and this visit gave them an opportunity to see first-hand what our volunteer run nurseries are achieving. They heard about our structures, processes and challenges in running the nurseries and some of the fantastic project work and outcomes we are achieving now, and what we are planning in the future.
We were pleased to hear of the NSW Governments commitment of $8.2 million towards the NSW Landcare Enabling Program. As one of the many groups across NSW that will benefit from the shared services that this funding will enable we look forward to continuing our work in protecting and enhancing biodiverse, productive and climate ready landscapes across the Yass Valley District.
The $8.2 million allocation is aimed at bolstering Landcare NSW operations and support structures. This funding will be utilised in various strategic initiatives, including the employment of up to 7.5 full-time equivalent staff to offer centralised assistance to host organisations such as YAN and coordinators funded through the Program. Additionally, a Shared Services Hub will be established to provide comprehensive support in administration and human resources to these entities. Landcare NSW will spearhead the implementation and management of a state Community of Practice, facilitating gatherings, conferences, and regional events to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Plus, a Digital Landcare solution is on the horizon, aiming to streamline reporting processes and enhance knowledge sharing among program participants. The initiative will focus on developing and maintaining strategic partnerships to bolster Landcare's self-sustainability and lessen reliance on direct NSW Government funding in the medium to long term.
The Minister left with half a dozen plants grown from our Climate Ready Revegetation project seed by our nursery volunteers for her own garden. These plants should feel right at home in Queanbeyan and we look forward to hearing of the progress of these seedlings.
Writen by Sarah McGrath, YAN Local Coordinator