We support community-based approaches to managing and protecting our natural resources – creating more productive and sustainable farms, conserving our environment and building more cohesive and resilient communities. We support members and communities with information about governance, insurance and volunteerism. We enable farmers, landowners and conservationists to work together at a local level on local issues. We are a representative body for our members – regions, networks, groups and individuals. We promote and advocate for ecologically sustainable development across Queensland in partnership with governments, philanthropists and the wider community. As Queensland’s peak body for natural resource management volunteers, QWaLC fulfills the following roles on behalf of its membership of over 38,000 people and 460 groups.
Our Constitution is the overarching document that defines many of our planning, operational and governance requirements. A copy of the Constitution can be found here
Networking
QWaLC supports an extensive community network that encompasses volunteer natural resource management groups, regional bodies, government representatives and industry personnel.
Insurance
As a result of our understanding of the needs of NRM volunteers, the Department of Resources entrusts QWaLC with the administration of three insurance policies. We manage three policies: (Policy documents below)
NFP Association Liability policy wording QWaLC
Public and Products Policy Wording QWaLC
Voluntary Workers Wording QWaLC
Promotion
QWaLC is dedicated to promoting the achievements of natural resource management volunteers across the state.
QWaLC is supported by Landcare Australia to coordinate the Queensland Landcare Awards. This is the state’s most prestigious natural resource management Awards process, with many regional and industry winners entering for the chance to then be considered for a National Landcare Award.
Representation
A representative board is a core pillar to the overall make up of QWaLC – and it ensures that community volunteers have an opportunity to participate and contribute to policies and issues that specifically relate to their region at a localised level. It is the role of the board representatives to ensure that they actively engage with member groups and put forward their views and opinions at State and Federal levels.
Advocacy
QWaLC exists in Queensland to advocate specifically on behalf of our members and natural resource management volunteers. The volunteer natural resource management sector is vital to the Queensland economy, investing many hours of volunteers time into environmental outcomes. QWaLC role is to ensure that this contribution is an important consideration in any decisions made regarding the voluntary natural resource management sector.