Brunswick Valley Landcare Inc.

 

Strategic plan 2007

 

March 2007

 

 

 

 

OUR MISSION

 

 

Inspiring and supporting our community to conserve and restore Brunswick ValleyÕs natural environment from forest to foreshore

1: PLANNING & RESOURCES

 

Objectives:

 

1.1                     Be an umbrella organisation to service Landcare locality groups in the Brunswick Valley Catchment.

1.2                     Develop and implement long-term strategies for the landscape of the Brunswick Valley that balance the competing land use pressures, and aim to protect and restore native vegetation and to provide habitat for native fauna.

 

1.3                     Be involved in small-scale urban projects as well as large rural projects.

 

1.4                     Obtain funding of $100,000 per year (minimum) to maintain BVL as a professional organisation. Funds are allocated as dictated by landscape, administration and educational priorities.

 

1.5                     BVL is directed by an elected committee with the power to co-opt outside skills. Responsibilities are shared among committee members to ensure continuity, and adequate records are kept.

 

Strategies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

á                  Be aware of and support existing local government/government agency plans for the Brunswick Valley.

 

 

 

á                  Liaise with Byron Shire Council and make a submission to CouncilÕs Local Environment Plan.

 

 

 

á                  Hold a ÔKnow the CatchmentÕ workshop

 

 

 

á                  Designate priorities for action.

 

 

 

á                  Ensure that funds are spread adequately over all areas of activity.

 

 

 

á                  Coordinate long-term plan, medium-term practical work and educational activities with other

 

 

2: MEMBERSHIP

 

Objectives:

 

2.1                        Well-organised memberships records are maintained, with active, up to date lists and processes.

 

2.2                        Membership base is maintained (at a minimum of 100), and expanded.

 

2.3                        MembersÕ skills are recognised and fully utilised.

 

Strategies:

 

 

 

 

á                  Encourage community businesses to get employees involved in Landcare working bees.

 

 

á                  Show small urban property owners and renters the value of being involved in land care.

o                                   Get them involved in areas such as Heritage Park.

 

 

 

á                  Maintain a secure, centrally located online database of members that can be accessed by the committee.

o                                   Keep list of membersÕ volunteering availability for reference by staff.

o                                   Update half yearly via email circular to members.

 

 

á                  Ask for specific help in newspaper, website and newsletter, as well as direct email postings to members who stated an interest in specific volunteering.

 

 

á                  Acknowledge member suggestions.

o                                   Post suggestions on the website forum and invite comments.

 

 

á                  Offer non web-based members monthly newsletter at a cost.

 

 

á                  Make greater use of web page/forum for connecting active members and providing ease of access to information.

 

 

á                  Provide online or hardcopy information on Ôhow to understand Land CareÕ (terminology, how to get funding, understanding meetings, etc)

 

 

á                  Regular newsletter/web page article spotlighting member or locality group.

 

 

3: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

 

Objectives:

 

3.1                        BVL is a major provider of information, education, and practical assistance on preserving and improving biodiversity in the community.

 

3.2                        As many as possible of the Brunswick ValleyÕs natural eco systems are preserved and maintained.

 

3.3                        Continual on-ground environmental outcomes are achieved in line with BVLÕs plan for the landscape.

 

Strategies:

 

 

 

 

á                  Promote planting of Brunswick ValleyÕs native vegetation in town gardens, rural residential blocks and farms.

 

 

á                  Investigate getting a Southern Cross Uni student to develop a list of native plants to replace environmental weeds

 

 

á                  Apply for funding for on-ground works.

 

 

á                  Provide information on native food sources to encourage native birds and animals in Brunswick Valley.

 

 

á                  Hold a biennial nature festival for the community.

 

 

á                  Provide information on the role of dunes and mangroves in protecting coastal land.

 

 

4: COMMUNICATION

 

Objective:

 

4.1 All key audiences are identified and BVLÕs communication with them is an effective two-way process. Measures are in place for feedback on relevant issues.

 

Strategies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

á                  Maintain and upgrade the web site.

 

o                                   Make available info/data pertaining to the natural processes of the BV Catchment;

o                                   Introduce Ôbulletin boardÕ style forum section for membersÕ feedback;

o                                   Promote BVL activities;

o                                   Explain BVLÕs services such as role of CSO; how, why, when to apply for a grant;

o                                   Field guides (when we get a volunteer to look after them);

o                                   Online book sales;

     

 

 

 

 

á                  Maintain a regular high quality newsletter for distribution to members

o                                   Break from Tweed and have our own bi-monthly publication

 

 

 

 

á                  Maintain monthly BVL column in the Byron Shire Echo

 

 

 

 

á                  Distribute regular email news and information items to members

o                                   Keep them succinct. Invite feedback/response

 

 

 

 

á                  Maintain BVL involvement in Landcare magazine

 

 

 

á                  Maintain monthly workshop program

á                  Publish regular surveys to find out what members want

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5: POLITICAL RELATIONSHIPS & PARTNERSHIPS

 

 

Objective:

 

5.1 Engage and work with local government, government agencies, community groups, schools, NFP, private organisations and businesses to create partnerships that will make BVL a more effective force in delivering environmental outcomes.

 

 

Strategies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

á                  Develop a list of perceived key partners.

 

 

 

 

á                  Identify key partners with appropriate skills and invite them to join the BVL committee or attend meetings as invited guests as appropriate.

 

 

 

 

á                  Implement a program for BVL committee members to develop their links within the local community.

 

 

 

 

á                  Identify partner organisations where BVL can achieve committee representation.

 

 

 

 

á                  Develop NRM funding projects that involve local government, businesses, schools, and community organisations as either partners or beneficiaries.

 

 

 

á                  Encourage and support key office holders and committee members to attend regional, state and national NRM themed conferences and events to develop and consolidate broader political relationships.

 

 

 

á                  Invite members from those groups identified in the key partnership list (including politicians?) to attend BVL events.

 

 

6: LEADERSHIP

 

Objectives:

 

6.1                        Established role of BVL is to initiate projects, empower the community, and hand over stewardship.

 

6.2                        BVL is recognised as a leader in the practical and innovative management of vegetation and biodiversity in the local community.

 

6.3                        BVL builds social cohesion and a sense of local community.

 

Strategies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

á                  Influence BSC to organise a biodiversity event in place of this yearÕs Nature Festival.

 

 

 

á                  Promote native habitat in urban gardens

 

 

 

á                  Organise an annual Ôplanting dayÕ for town/small business gardens

 

 

 

á                  Promote hand-over of stewardship to appropriate community groups for ongoing maintenance of restored sites

 

 

 

á                  Organise one-day training workshop for Landcare leaders.

 

 

 

á                  Develop a Landcare introductory kit for distribution to new residents.

o                                            Explore distribution options (market stalls/Council rate payment)