The Australian and NSW Government’s are supporting the recovery of bushfire impacted communities through a range of funding programs that support local and regional economic and social recovery – including initiatives across economic, social, built and natural environment recovery. Through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) Envite have supported communities in the Coffs Harbour and Clarence LGA to recover both economically and socially from the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Two projects “Environmental recovery in Clarence Valley” and “Coffs Coastal Access Repair and Asset Protection Zone Environmental Resilience Improvements” have been designed to provide local youth with employment, training and skill development in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. Between 2021-23 four stages of groups of four entry level environmental workers were employed for approximately 6 month programs, providing opportunity for our next generation of workers.

The teams were involved in land management and strategic program activities including landscaping, environmental rehabilitation, improving natural environment and amenity maintaining the stability of ecosystem processes. The programs improved local employment opportunities with an entry pathway into a growing agriculture, conservation and land management industry in the Clarence and Coffs Coast area. It was aimed to improve ongoing employment opportunities through local community, industry support and effectively developing trainee’s skills and work experience increasing their chances of obtaining ongoing work and transferable skills in the industry within the Coffs and Clarence Valley regions.

The activities from the BLER project improved and assisted community, social, economic and environment benefits. The on-ground works controlled erosion, regenerated damaged areas and protected vegetation of regional conservation significance through track construction and major integrated bush regeneration programs. The management and reduction of weed species have provided significant benefits for the surrounding bushland including increased resilience of natural ecosystems and landscapes. The work has allowed for adaptation in response to potential climate change impacts and reduced the impact of future natural disasters that could potentially have on our communities.

Results from Environmental recovery in Clarence Valley:

• Bush Regeneration activities in NPWS Reserves and Clarence Landcare x 12 sites 160 ha
• 1,536m walking track improvement and construction
• Statement of attainment completed for 7 subjects was issued to 12 staff that completed training in Conservation and Ecosystem Management by TAFE NSW

Summary Employment Outcome

• Total employed during the project:  21
• Total that has continued on employed:  16
• Employment outcomes:  76%
• Further education:  4

Results from Coffs Coastal Access Repair and Asset Protection Zone Environmental Resilience Improvements

• 23.85 ha has been worked over the project improving the resilience of native vegetation on the APZ interface in Coffs Coast Regional Park
• 430 m walking track improvement and construction
• Statement of attainment completed for 7 subjects was issued to 12 staff that completed training in Conservation and Ecosystem Management by TAFE NSW

Summary Employment Outcome

• Total employed during the project:  19
• Total that has continued on employed:  16
• Employment outcomes:  84%
• Further education:  2

The local community has benefited the from the project. The passing of cultural information including ecological knowledge and skills in natural area restoration by local Aboriginal leaders has assisted in building capacity, knowledge and skills. Walking track improvements has provided benefit in the long term for hundreds of locals and visitors alike that will connect a safer route which is ecologically sustainable and will protect and enhance threatened species and ecological communities along the route and providing ongoing recreation for community use. The local Landcare network have been supported through their tireless efforts in improving natural areas.

The project has played a crucial role in bolstering partnerships and relationships with the broader community to further strengthen and build capacity with local people. This has contributed to the advancement in social and economic wellbeing within local communities all the while promoting environmental enhancement.

This Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.