WILI - Water in the Landscape Initiative

The ISSUE

The slopes of the Upper Namoi Valley are a significant water catchment for the Murray Darling system.  Changing rainfall, temperatures, agriculture, industry, population and livelihoods, and major policy changes to environmental, water, and agricultural governance, will all affect our region. We will need better planning and community strategies to cope.

Our focus is on resilience to adapt to challenges, including water availability, climate change and environmental pressures.  This will require sustainable water management, landscape rehydration, and community engagement, to ensure a sustainable future for the Upper Namoi Valley.

Our APPROACH

After extensive consultations, Tamworth Regional Landcare Association, Tamworth Regional Council, the University of New England, community organisations, and landholders have formed an alliance to improve water and landscape management across our region.  This is the Upper Namoi Valley Water in the Landscape Initiative (WILI).  We aim to enhance the economic, social, cultural, and environmental sustainability of the Upper Namoi Valley through community engagement, collaborative projects, research, and education.

Our MISSION

Collaboration, education, research and advocacy will ensure an informed and inclusive community able to address the water management challenges in the Upper Namoi Valley.

We recognise the diverse landscapes – urban or agricultural, public or private, recreational or industrial – and their communities as assets when building resilience.

Our VISION

An Upper Namoi community that proactively manages its path towards a water-secure and resilient future.

Our KEY FOCUS AREAS

  •          Agriculture, all forms including industrial
  •          Urban water, including waste water management for domestic and industrial use
  •          Natural resources and biodiversity
  •          Cultural Heritage, Indigenous Knowledge
  •          Climate variably and adaption
  •          Research and innovation
  •          Public Policy

 

Our STRATEGIC PILLARS 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Support collaborative networks to facilitate innovation through education and advocacy on local and regional issues and initiatives.  Create opportunities for the community to participate in shaping the future of water management in the region.

EDUCATION

Education activities, co-designed projects, hands on opportunities and accessible courses to build knowledge and skills to address water security, sustainable water and landscape management and climate variability in the region.

ADVOCACY 

Advocate for the interests of communities, and for regional water and landscape initiatives, to address issues of concern related to water and landscape resilience, security, and equity in the Upper Namoi Valley and beyond

RESEARCH

Cutting-edge research to guide a proactive and informed approach to managing water and landscape resources, to ensure long-term water security and resilience.  Research priorities will ensure access to regionally relevant water and landscape knowledge to address climate variability, water security, resilience and the water resources in the region.

GOVERNANCE

Enable the better management of water through collaboration, education and action regarding future environmental and water policies within the catchment areas and their communities

 

Our challenge

Water does not recognise fences, only landscape management does. These photos, reflecting reality and consequence at the end of the 2015-19 drought in the high Upper Namoi catchment, intend no criticism. They look at a possible future and pose a question for us all – how can each one of us manage ourselves, our communities and our landscapes, wherever they may be in the Upper Namoi, to create a resilient water future for us all.

 

Our SUCCESS WILL BE MEASURED BY

  • Community engagement, knowledge-building, and capacity building: a cooperative learning community where knowledge and experiences are shared, local ideas and solutions are supported and regional capacity building strategies are jointly developed and resourced to tackle Upper Namoi Valley water and landscape challenges, as a part of the Murray-Darling Basin.
  • Education: educational materials, workshops, field trips, professional development, short courses, micro credentials, and regional school programs that support collaborative planning and community strategies to promote climate resilience and the Upper Namoi Valley's sustainable future.
  • Water and Environmental Policy Engagement: supporting stakeholders to understand and adapt to the rules and administrative arrangements that affect their use and management of water and natural resources.
  • Research Projects: securing grants and other funding for a collaborative research agenda, to pursue research projects co-designed with community and industry to seek solutions for regional challenges.
  • Cultural Heritage: fostering a collaborative and inclusive community that values the fundamental importance of First Nations' relationship with Country in understanding and finding solutions for water and landscape challenges.

WILI Statement of Intent WILI Statement of Intent     Social Covenant Social Covenant

Our PARTNERS

By December 2023, we have 24 registered participants in the WILI, and others have indicated an intention to do so. These registered participants include the University of New England, two Local Government Associations, nine agricultural stewardship organisations (e.g. local Landcare groups), eight individual primary producers, and six specialised product or service providers.

You can register as a WILI member below. 

 

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Organisation/business name
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Latest News



Paddock Plants and Weed Identification

NOVEMBER 30 | WALLABADAH

Are you keen to know what native and introduced pastures you have on your farm, and learn about their nutritional value and productivity? Which ones are desirable and which not so and how to increase the overall native base? What are some of the common weeds you have as well, and whether they might be toxic to livestock?


🌿 Welcome Kate Spry, Our New Youth and Education Landcare Coordinator! 🌿

We’re thrilled to introduce Kate Spry, joining TRLA as our Youth and Education Landcare Coordinator. Starting Monday, November 4th, Kate will be joining us part-time in this role for the next six months as she transitions from other commitments. Kate will be full-time after this date.

Kate brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Regenerative Agriculture, with twelve years dedicated to transitioning her own farming practices to regenerative approaches. 


Tamworth Regional Landcare Association 2024 Photography Competition Results Announced

On Friday night, October 25, a large crowd gathered in Fitzroy Plaza to celebrate the winners of the Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) 2024 Photography Competition. The Tamworth Regional Gallery illuminated the night by projecting all 97 entries onto the "big screen" on Fitzroy Street, offering a beautiful display of our community’s talent and love for nature photography.


AGM with Guest Speaker John Asquith OAM

NOVEMBER 16 | TAMWORTH
Join us for our upcoming Annual General Meeting on November 16! The evening will begin at 5:30 pm for a 6:00 pm start, with an AGM followed by a presentation from special guest speaker John Asquith OAM. John is known for his dedication to environmental conservation and will speak on the "Land for Wildlife" initiative, sharing insights from his extensive experience advocating for sustainable land management across NSW. Light dinner will be served following John’s presentation. We look forward to seeing you there!


Community Unites for Platypus Conservation

On Tuesday, October 22, students and community members from Bendemeer and Manilla had the unique opportunity to learn about platypus conservation from Dr. Gilad Bino, a leading expert in the field. Hosted by the Australian Conservation Foundation and Tamworth Regional Landcare Assocation, the event was part of the Platy Project, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting platypus populations and maintaining healthy waterways. Dr. Bino shared his knowledge with students from Bendemeer Public School, St Michael's Primary, and Manilla Central School, educating them about the vital role platypus play in the ecosystem.


Photography Exhibition at Fitzroy Plaza!

From Wednesday, 23rd October to Saturday, 26th October, Fitzroy Plaza will be transformed into a vibrant gallery, showcasing over 90 stunning photographs. Each evening, these beautiful images will be projected for all to enjoy.

On Friday, 25th October, from 7:15 to 8:30 PM we’ll come together to view the images, announce the competition winners, and hand out some fantastic prizes. Enjoy light refreshments, and a chance to celebrate the beauty of our landscapes through the eyes of our talented local photographers. We look forward to seeing you there!


Powerful Pollinators Webinar

10 November | ONLINE

The Wheen Bee Foundation are hosting a FREE Webinar!

Join Lea Hannah Project Manager Powerful Pollinators, Dr Anna Carrucan, Second-generation beekeeper & botanist, ecologist & conservation agriculturalist and Dr Megan Halcroft from Bees Business, for a webinar to:

  • Find out how pollinators can play a role in healthy gardens and farm enterprises;
  • Discover how to encourage pollinator populations on your property;
  • Be introduced to our new planting guides and how they can be used in gardens and on farm; and
  • Find out how to apply for tree grants that support pollinator habitat restorations.


Small Farms Pasture & Weed ID Workshop

7 DECEMBER | BENDEMEER

HOSTED BY LLS

Small Farms would like to invite you to attend a pasture and weed identification workshop. During a paddock walk, you will learn to identify local grasses, clovers and weeds.
*Bring along any pasture grasses you would like identified and photos of any weeds
*You will need to bring a hat, sunscreen, chair and sturdy shoes
*Morning tea will be provided


Is measuring carbon good for business?

27 NOVEMBER | TAMWORTH

HOSTED BY LLS
Join us to learn how measuring carbon on farm can make good business sense. Discover some of the opportunities that exist in carbon farming, including how understanding and managing agricultural emissions and carbon sequestration strategies can benefit your farm business.
Event highlights:
• Carbon in the cropping industry - GrainGrowers
• Sustainability along the supply chain - Tim Dellit, Rabobank
• Driving on-farm carbon neutral outcomes - Robert Mackenzie, Macka’s Beef
• Science of soil carbon - Susan Orgill, Select Carbon
• International perspectives on carbon farming - Pippa Jones, Local Land Services, SQNNSW Innovation Hub, 2024 Nuffield Scholar
• Understanding the farm business benefits of carbon farming - Clare Edwards, NSW DPIRD
• What is natural capital? - Andrew Jack, Local Land Services


Tree planting on my farm

9 NOVEMBER | DUNGOWAN

HOSTED BY LLS

Tree planting on my farm Small farms and lifestyle network would like to invite you to a FREE vegetation management workshop.
Topics covered:
• How to choose trees that are right for your farm
• Best practice planting techniques
• Simple things you can do to support beneficial insects on farm
• You will need to bring a hat, sunscreen, chair and sturdy shoes
• Morning tea provided


Small farms - Farm Water Basics

2 NOVEMBER | DARUKA

HOSTED BY LLS
As part of our small farms and lifestyle block program, we invite you to come along to our farm water basics workshop.
*Water testing – bring along a water sample for testing
*Designing trough and water systems
*Different trough types
*Water storage
*Trouble shooting and repairs
*Please bring a hat, sunscreen, chair and sturdy shoes
*Morning tea provided


🌿 Extra Nursery Opening Hours – Tamworth Open Garden Trail 🌿

We're excited to announce that as part of the Tamworth Open Garden Trail, our nursery will have special extra opening hours:

📅 Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Explore our diverse range of plants and learn how your garden can support local biodiversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit us!

🌱 See you there! 🌱


Spring Special

Our nursery currently has  Allocasuarina littoralis ( Black She Oak) and Casuarina criststa (Belah) are still on special at $1.00 each while stocks last.


Getting muddy with Gunnible Landcare Inc

On a cold and wet morning of 26th September 2024, Harry Davey and Jay Barnett from OzFish Unlimited, Nicky Chirlian Liverpool Plains & Gunnedah Landcare Coordinator, and Tony Bernays, Chair of Gunnible Landcare Inc gathered to implement stage one of a Namoi River restoration project, on “Eldorado”, Gunnedah.


Why measure your farm's carbon footprint?

Do you know your farm's carbon footprint?  Do you need to ?  Both global and  domestic markets  are starting to demand more information from producers in regards to their environmental impact. 


The Platy Project: Spotting Platypus and Supporting Waterways

22 OCTOBER | MANILLA AND BENDEMEER
This spring, people across eastern Australia are invited to participate in the Platy Project, an exciting citizen science initiative that encourages locals to head down to their nearest waterway and search for one of Australia's most iconic creatures—the platypus. Running throughout September and October, the project aims to collect valuable data on platypus sightings to help bridge gaps in our understanding of where these elusive animals are (and aren’t) living.


Platy-project community event - Manilla

22 OCTOBER | MANILLA
Join special guest Dr Gilad Bino, platypus expert, in Manilla on Tuesday 22 Oct from 12-2 pm for our upcoming platy-project community event. We will meet at “The Junction Riverwalk”, Corner of River and Market St.  We invite community members to help us look for platypus in the Manilla and Namoi Rivers and help researchers better understand this elusive animal.


Film Tour Highlights Importance of Healthy Soils for Sustainable Agriculture

In late 2023, Upper Mooki Landcare Inc members initiated a mini film tour after engaging with Suzannah Cowley of Nviro Media, who had created the short documentary Thankful for Soil in collaboration with the organisation "Thankful for Farmers." The documentary highlights the essential role of farmers, both as food producers and environmental custodians, echoing one of Tamworth Regional Landcare Association’s (TRLA) goals of providing landholders with the latest tools and education for sustainable agricultural practices.


"Ngiyaani" Mini Field Day

3 November | GUNNEDAH
Peter and Sarah bought "The most degraded land in the Namoi Valley" in 2007, and you are invited to attend this field day to learn some of the strategies that have helped to bring it back to the beautiful property that it is today.


Open Garden Trail across Tamworth

26 & 27 OCTOBER | TAMWORTH
Follow our Open Garden Trail across Tamworth for the whole weekend. Each garden will be open for a set time, and the owners will be there to talk about their processes and plantings. Gather inspo for your own garden with the excellent water wise, native, and food producing gardens on display.


Platy-project community event - BENDEMEER

Join special guest Dr Gilad Bino, platypus expert, in Bendemeer on Tuesday 22 Oct for our upcoming platy-project community event. We invite community members to help us look for platypus in the Macdonald River and help researchers better understand this elusive animal.


2024 Photography Competition - Now Closed

Thank you to all our talented photographers who entered into our Water in the Landscape, 2024 Photography Competition. Entries are now closed, and we will be excited to contact finalists as soon as judging has been completed.


Empowering the Peel Valley: WaterInsights Presentation Recap

On Tuesday, September 17, we hosted a special presentation at the UNE Centre in Tamworth, introducing the WaterInsights platform managed by WaterNSW. Our guest speaker, Kate Masters, provided an in-depth walkthrough of how water is managed and shared across New South Wales, with a focus on the Peel Valley.


Nemingha Community Garden and Open Day and Workshop

If you're passionate about bees and want to learn more about creating bee hotels, come along to a hands-on workshop at the Nemingha Community Garden on September 28. Dean Heemskerk will be leading the session, sharing his expertise on how to support local bee populations. It’s a great opportunity to get practical tips and make a difference in your own backyard!

Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE

together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW