The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to support Landcare NSW initiatives, with 22 projects across the state receiving a share of $10 million in grant funding through the Landcare Enabling Program.
Environmental projects large and small, from western NSW to the east coast, have received a welcome boost through the program.
Eleven Landcare Networks across NSW will each receive two grants, one to support innovation and climate adaption and the second designed to strengthen culturally informed landscape management.
Landcare in NSW supports community-led environmental projects across the state, working with farmers, volunteers, schools and local groups to protect and restore land, waterways and native habitats.
Its work includes tree planting, river restoration, soil conservation, sustainable farming, weed and pest control, and biodiversity projects that help improve the health of local environments and communities.
The grants will be administered by Local Land Services and delivered on the ground by local Landcare groups over the next 12 months to support collaboration and sustainable agriculture and deliver shared outcomes for Country through thoughtful collaboration with Aboriginal communities.
The NSW Government committed $59 million to the Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027 to enhance the capacity and self-sufficiency of the NSW Landcare movement.
Visit the website for more information about the program and grant recipients.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"This investment recognises the vital role Landcare plays in protecting our natural environment while supporting strong, resilient communities across NSW.
"These projects will help communities work together to care for land and water, strengthen local partnerships, and build long-term sustainability.
"Importantly, the grants support meaningful collaboration with Aboriginal communities, ensuring cultural knowledge and connection to Country are embedded in how we manage our landscapes.
"Other projects will drive new ideas and approaches, helping Landcare groups adapt to challenges like climate change while continuing to deliver practical, on-ground results."
NSW Landcare Program Manager, Jodie Lovell said:
"Landcare is proof of what can be achieved when local communities come together to care for the environment and create a better future for the next generation.
"Every tree planted, every river restored and every hectare protected helps strengthen our landscapes, support biodiversity and build a more resilient NSW.
"These grants will give Landcare groups across the state the support they need to expand their work, deliver innovative projects and create stronger partnerships with Aboriginal communities.
"By backing local volunteers and community-led action, we are helping deliver practical environmental outcomes that benefit farmers, regional communities and the natural environment alike.
"From improving climate resilience and protecting native species to sharing cultural knowledge and restoring ecosystems, these projects will deliver lasting benefits across entire landscapes."
Successful Landcare grant recipients and projects:
Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc, Narrandera
- The Big Bidgee Woodland Plan - Growing ethical investment and partnership - $381,098
This project establishes an investor-ready model for large-scale woodland restoration through private co investment.
- Shared Care for Country - $700,000
This project will support the sharing of cultural knowledge, strengthen community connections and deliver on ground environmental outcomes informed by traditional ecological knowledge.
North West Regional Landcarers Inc, Bingara
- Building a Self-Sustaining Landcare Landscape for the North West NSW - $472,561
This project delivers an integrated regional program to strengthen Landcare capacity, landscape resilience and long-term sustainability.
- Weaving Country, Culture and Collaboration: Aboriginal Partnerships for the North West of NSW - $450,000
This project will deliver cultural mapping and governance, culturally safe consultation, cultural competency training, and on‑Country workshops, events and projects, alongside Aboriginal artwork, signage and workforce development.
New England Landcare Network Inc, Armidale
- New England Landcare Network - Towards informed, integrative land and water management - $381,098
This program delivers a coordinated, region-wide initiative across the New England to improve informed land and water management through advanced water monitoring, baseline modelling and innovative restoration techniques.
- New England Landcare Network - Seeds of Understanding - $449,801
This project will strengthen relationships with local Aboriginal communities to support shared learning, improved cultural awareness and better care for Country.
Central West Region Landcare Inc, Parkes
- Growing Landcare in the Central West through Innovations and Partnerships - $472,561
This project will tackle growing pest animal issues across urban and agricultural land, engaging the agricultural community on issues of soil health, grazing management and waste management and trialling new technology in woody weed control.
- Strengthening Aboriginal partnerships in the Central West through collaborative Landcaring - $450,000
Through this project, Landcare will work with the Central West Aboriginal community to employ an Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator, provide training opportunities to increase cultural awareness, and deliver a range of local and regional projects.
Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network, Orange
- Central Tablelands Innovation & Partnerships Program: Strengthening Regional Capability and Landscape Resilience - $408,593
Activities under this project include native seed collection training, leadership and succession planning, coordinated pest management, grazing and soil extension programs, Communities of Practice and targeted environmental upskilling.
- Walan Miya Bulabul - Stronger Together in Partnership - $450,000
This project will strengthen capacity across the Central Tablelands to engage respectfully with Aboriginal communities through a staged, region‑wide Aboriginal Partnerships program.
South East Landcare Inc, Nowra
- South East Landcare - Connected Landscapes, Capable People, Enduring Landcare - $518,293
This project brings together 14 South East Landcare district networks and partners to deliver coordinated action on landscape rehydration, climate ready revegetation, pest control, and volunteer and staff capacity building.
- Walking Together: Strengthening Aboriginal Partnerships Across South East Landcare - $248,342
This project will strengthen South East Landcare's ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal communities through cultural competency training, co-designed on-Country activities, and leadership development, including the delivery of six cultural workshops.
Greater Sydney Landcare Network, Penrith
- Greater Sydney Landcare - Urban Environmental Impact Through Commercial Innovation - $470,000
This project strengthens Greater Sydney Landcare's capability by building business skills, improving systems and processes, and establishing an Environmental Services model focused on community and priority sites.
- Greater Sydney Landcare - Restoring Country, Strengthening Partnerships - $450,000
This project will build Greater Sydney Landcare's capacity to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal communities through genuine, Aboriginal‑led partnerships. An Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator will lead partnerships, supported by cultural awareness training and the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan or Working Together Plan.
Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection, Wingham
- Climate-Resilient Landcare: Building Adaptation Capacity Across the Hunter and Mid Coast - $410,870
Through shared learning, improved planning and monitoring, and collaboration with councils, Hunter Local Land Services and technical experts, this project enhances coordination, resilience and long-term self-sustenance for Landcare groups.
- Listening & Learning Together: Building Strong Aboriginal-Landcare Partnerships across the Hunter & MidCoast - $174,257
In partnership with Local Aboriginal Land Councils and key stakeholders, this project will deliver on‑Country learning experiences, cultural heritage immersions and shared workshops that encourage listening, learning and knowledge exchange.
Holbrook Landcare Network, Holbrook
- Holbrook Landcare Network - Phase 3 Innovations and Partnerships for the Murray region - $411,585
This project transitions the Murray Collective into a modern, investment ready partnership by integrating digital infrastructure, biosecurity action and biodiversity reporting into a unified regional model.
- Murray Aboriginal Partnerships Program - $450,000
Through this project, Aboriginal staff will guide activities, deliver cultural competence training and lead practical, on‑ground projects that build skills, confidence and shared understanding.
North Coast Regional Landcare Network, Grafton
- North Coast Local Innovation Regional Impact - $579,268
Through environmental innovation, leadership development, education, digital integration and strategic communications, this project builds collaboration, visibility and long-term self-sustenance while supporting natural capital and climate preparedness outcomes.
- Walking Together: North Coast Aboriginal Partnerships & Cultural Capability Program - $698,533
Building on prior investment, this project will continue employment of Aboriginal Coordinators and embed culturally safe governance and workforce practices.
Western Landcare NSW Inc, Broken Hill
- Revitalising Western Landcare - Sustainable Landscapes - Sustainable Communities - Sustainable Future - $487,805
Through regional forums, roadshows, digital platforms and a Native Plant Supply Pilot Program, this project expands access to skills and resources, improves regeneration outcomes and supports organisational self-sustenance.
- Strong, Connected Country & Communities - $450,000
This project will strengthen collaboration between Western NSW Landcare initiatives and local Aboriginal communities through the employment of two part‑time Aboriginal Landcare Coordinators.
