WALN has recently had discussions about a WA NRM Collaboration Group to advise government on landcare sector issues.
In late March WALN representatives Blair Darvill and Helen Watkins joined in on a phone hook up to discuss the development of a Collaborative Group among key stakeholders involved in NRM in WA. Kath Broderick from NRM WA initiated the meeting and representatives from WWF, WABSI and four NRM regions phoned in. It’s very early days and WALN is still putting together feedback on how they see the group structured or progressing, however all agreed a collaborative approach involving a broad range of stakeholders would be beneficial on many levels. This includes:
- Better understanding of the great breadth of work that is ‘NRM’
- Less competition, less criticism of others (more clear about various org roles?)
- A collective voice is a more powerful voice.
- More and improved communication- raise the profile of our work and the outcomes being achieved. This potentially gets NRM higher up the budget lists and also garner wider support.
- Better communication – knowing who’s involved and who to contact
- Database of stakeholders- providing accurate information about the system.
- Streamlining of delivery, increasing cost effectiveness and ability to sell that message.
- Give credence to NRM, mainstream acceptance (e.g. among WA Farmers members)
- Bring out generic issues (participation a whole lot easier and act to resolve them)
In terms of ‘What would an NRM sector collaboration would do?’, key activities that were discussed included;
- Set direction on priorities, planning and actions
- Consider the role of the various organisations
- Improve the collective impact
- Improve the reporting of outcomes
- Advocate for the sector (and agreed issues within)
- Communicate
- Provide training
- Drive research priorities
If you would like more information or would like to provide suggestions on how a group like this should be developed, including their roles and responsibilities please contact WALN Project Officer Blair Darvill on blair.darvill@landcarewa.org.au 0427333664