Greater Sydney Landcare Network
A network for those who care for Land in Greater Sydney
For a long weekend in November, GSLN volunteers together with partner organisations from across Sydney gathered at Jenolan Caves to support the 2018 K2W BioBlitz, from 23-25 November, 2018. You can see official photos from the event here. The adventures of our intrepid volunteers follow below….
The stunning green scenery surrounding the Jenolan Caves. Credit: A Hanaki.
Our annual AGM and Special Event, on Sunday 23rd September 2018 was a success! Thanks to our members and supporters who took a Sunday out to attend. We have a fantastic turnout just short of 30 people, representing a diverse range of volunteer member groups from Landcare, bushcare and coastcare, local councils, nurseries and not-for-profit organisations. The morning consisted of presentations from GSLN committee members, Local Landcare Coordinators and Local Land Services:
– Bev Debrincat provided a valuable update Landcare NSW, and the Landcare network over morning tea
– Vanessa Keyzer, presented a regional update from Greater Sydney Local Land Services and upcoming partnership opportunities
– LLC Elisha Duxbury discussed GSLN youth engagement in Landcare projects, Intrepid Landcare, south-western Sydney and future GSLN plans
– Previous LLC Xuela Sledge discussed the Cumberland Plains Landcare Program and projects, Cattai Hills Environment Network and an overview of activities and achievements whilst in the LLC role with GSLN
– New LLC Clare Vernon provided a short presentation on the preliminary findings of the Landcare and bushcare network survey of Greater Sydney
– Bev Debrincat and Jeff Cottrell lead a discussion around the new Crown Lands Management Act, and the transfer of Crown Land to local councils.
1 October 2018 – compiled by Bev Debrincat (GSLN committee)
The new Crown Lands Management Act 2016 commenced operation on the 1st July 2018.
The Landcare and bushcare communities of Greater Sydney are concerned about the potential loss of native remnants and connections for habitat corridors and green corridors through the sale of Crown Lands. Local Councils have been put into a position where they must manage and fund the maintenance of the majority of Crown Lands in their area. Communities need to ask their local Council to provide public lists of Crown Lands now under their care and control, ask their intentions and seek full community consultation.
The Issues
• The Act allows Government to shut down peaceful protests on public lands
• The Act permits the transfer of public land to other Government agencies for sale without public consultation including to its in-house real estate agents Department of Industry (see overview below) – who can then dispose of the land without the stringent requirements of the previous Crown Lands Act,
• That Local Councils will become responsible for the management of crown lands (see details of type of Land below).They will also be financially responsible for maintenance and upkeep. The cost of this transfer to local Councils is an unknown. Councils may sell off land to fund the maintenance of the Crown Land.