Cstlereagh Local Landcare Co-ordinator Therese Ryan had the chance to compare notes and make plans with fellow practitioners and peers from around the region recently.

Over two days on 21 and 22 August, Landcare staff, volunteers and like-minded organisations from across the Central West Landcare Region met at the Lazy River Estate near Dubbo.

Day one included a meeting of the newly-formed incorporated body Central West Region Landcare Inc., that spans the region covering Dunedoo, Coolah, Wellington, Dubbo, Narromine Shire, Coonamble Shire, Parkes Shire, Forbes Shire, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and Weddin Shire.

“We are looking forward to establishing regional projects that can be delivered with a local focus, with the ability to combine resources for economy and ease of delivery,” said Marg Applebee from CW Region Landcare Inc.

"Local Landcare groups within the region have also undertaken strategic planning for their individual areas to form a clear plan for at least the next four years, with the intention that this then flows into the regional priorities."

With extended opportunities for coordinator roles and increased opportunities for volunteer participation and training, Ms Applebee said the regional body was created to ensure that there is a substantial planning and governance framework to support the Landcare program moving forward.

The new body will also provide a support mechanism for local groups to apply for funding for projects.

Castlereagh Landcare Co-ordinator Therese Ryan shares information with Tamara Harris. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Along with staff of the Local Land Services, NSW Farmers Association and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Landcare staff and volunteers spent the second day sharing information and catching up with the latest developments in natural resource management and community-based landcare.

"People talked about what projects they're doing and what they could be working on together," Ms Applebee said.

“It was mostly a strategic planning day to get all our ideas together,” said Therese Ryan. “It was a great day for me to share information and do some networking. When everyone is so time poor it’s really helpful to have that chance to catch up.”