Minutes of the Natural Area Volunteers Group

Meeting Date:     Monday, 18 August 2025

Location:            Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time:                   4.00pm

The following members were present:

Clr Jemma Tribe – Chairperson

Clr Patricia White – Left 4:25pm

Mr Tony Jennings

Mr Wayne Pearce

Ms Siobhan Berkery

Ms Kelly Upton

Mr Michael Shaw (Remotely) – left due to power outage at 4:52pm

Others present:

Mr Shane Pickering – Manager – Environmental Services

Mr Peter Swanson – Lead – Land Management

Mr David Rush – Coordinator - Bushcare

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Roger Hart and Len White.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Natural Area Volunteers Group held on Wednesday 19 June 2024 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declaration of Interests

Nil

Presentations

NA25.1       The Importance of Volunteers in Managing Natural Areas	HPERM Ref: D25/290075
Staff presented to the Committee on the Importance of the Volunteers in Managing Natural Areas. The information presented is attached to these minutes.

Reports

NA25.2       Bushcare Update August 2025	HPERM Ref: D25/268118
The Committee noted that the Bushcare budget has been reduced, and queried how this will affect training and resourcing Bushcare Groups. Staff advised that despite the challenges presented by a reduced budget, that all Bushcare Groups will continue to be resourced and trained appropriately. Mr Tony Jennings noted that he would like to see all Bushcare Groups required to have one Council Field Officer to ensure that the Groups don’t fall into bad habits and continue with best practice.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Natural Area Volunteers group receive this update on the Bushcare Program for information.
RESOLVED (By consent) That the Natural Area Volunteers group receive this update on the Bushcare Program for information. CARRIED

NA25.3       Bushcare Policy renewal	HPERM Ref: D25/286960
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Natural Area Volunteers Group receive the draft of the reviewed Bushcare policy for information, to provide feedback and support this policy being reported to Council for adoption.
RESOLVED (By consent) That the Natural Area Volunteers Group receive the draft of the reviewed Bushcare policy for information, and support this policy being reported to Council for adoption. CARRIED

General business

· In relation to funding the Bushcare Groups, Staff advised the Committee that there is work being put into applying for applicable grants.

· Mr Tony Jennings noted that it is very important that Bushcare volunteers been made aware that a lot of what they do is legislated, and believes that volunteers need more education around the legislation required to be followed, such as, when using chemicals.

· Ms Kelly Upton shared news that an Aboriginal Team Members has recently joined the Land Management teaching section for TAFE NSW. She advised that a new course will be rolling out for On Country Land Management.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5:04pm.

Clr Jemma Tribe

CHAIRPERSON