Following the conclusion of the previous strategic plan in mid-2024, it’s now time to establish a new direction and ensure the Trust is focusing on the most critical environmental issues across the state.
The new strategic plan is based on extensive research and stakeholder consultation, including insights from a survey involving around 1,300 stakeholders. In early 2024, the Trust worked with 50 stakeholders including Aboriginal peoples, communities, government, industry and academia to identify the most significant environmental issues impacting New South Wales. Four workshops were held on the following themes:
- connection to Aboriginal cultural landscapes
- waterways and wetlands
- land and soil management
- threats to native species.
More than 130 separate issues were provided by stakeholders, which were then analysed and refined by the Trust into the final 3 strategic priorities and 12 opportunities.
There was a strong focus across all the workshops on the importance of recognising and valuing Aboriginal people and practices, which has been reflected in the strategic priorities. A summary report from the Connection to Aboriginal cultural landscapes workshop can be found here:
The Trust’s new strategic priorities are to:
- prioritise healthy Country and recognise and value Aboriginal peoples, their traditional knowledge and practices, and connection to Country
- restore ecosystems and biodiversity
- strengthen environmental management.
Grants provided under the new priorities will complement existing government programs and initiatives – they will fund activities that fill gaps, extend or innovate in these spaces. Funding will not duplicate or replace efforts already committed to under other government programs.
What does the new plan mean for the Trust's existing grants and programs?
For existing grantees with a funding agreement already in place, nothing changes. Grantees will continue to deliver projects as per agreed outcomes.
The Trust's contestable programs and major project streams will be adjusted progressively over time to incorporate the new priorities.
