Farm Tree & Landcare Association
The Farm Tree & Landcare Association (FTLA) is an independent incorporated association governed by its members. The FTLA has evolved to cater for groups and individuals involved in Landcare, tree planting and similar land management and conservation activities. Established in 1986 at the start of Landcare by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the FTLA currently has over 500 Member Groups, including Landcare, Farm Tree, Climate Action and Friends Of groups etc.
The FTLA exists to serve the Member Groups and supports Member Groups where issues arise that are common across the membership, most notably the FTLA insurance package which is provided as a membership benefit.
As the Farm Tree & Landcare Association (FTLA) is a membership based organisation, all Member Groups must agree to abide by the FTLA Rules. The FTLA Rules are specifically designed to allow Member Groups as much independence as possible – given the great range of member groups and the principle of local action inherent in Landcare it was felt that a one-size fits all approach was inappropriate.
The FTLA is not involved in the day to day running of Member Groups. The FTLA Rules allow Groups to create their own bylaws for the administration of the Member Group’s affairs and activities. That said, the FTLA rules do cover the relationship of a member group to the FTLA and whatever bylaws the group adopts will need to allow the group to fulfil its obligations to the FTLA. In the unlikely event that the FTLA rules and the group’s bylaws conflict the FTLA Rules will take precedence.
Incorporation
Incorporation is a means of providing a group of people with a legal identity. Incorporation provides protection for members against the possibility of being personally responsible for the organisations debts and liabilities. Although this protection is not absolute, it does offer protection where an incorporated association’s members carry out their duties and activities in good faith and with care and diligence (‘Duty of Care’).
The FTLA acts as an umbrella body under which Member Groups obtain the benefits of Incorporation. The FTLA takes care of the compliance issues, which for small, or disorganised, or unstable groups may be burdensome.
(Note: Of course, if a group chooses to incorporate through Consumer Affairs they are still welcome to join the FTLA. Conversely if a group chooses initially not to go through the incorporation process they can always change their mind at a later date).
Advocacy
As members of the FTLA, groups have a collective voice in debates on Landcare issues. The FTLA has good relationships with government and the farming organisations, enabling the FTLA to be a strong advocate for its member groups. The FTLA represents its members in a number of forums at both a state and national level.
Insurance
Incorporation will not protect a Member Group or its members from the consequences of their own negligence. Insurance provides a safety net against liabilities arising from negligence including the means to defend a claim.
The insurance package sourced for FTLA Member Groups is comprised of three components:
- Public and Products Liability Insurance
- Covers personal injury or property damage arising from the negligent actions of a Member Group or its members
- Voluntary Workers Insurance
- Provides for payments where a volunteer or a member is injured while engaged in activities for a Member Group.
- Associations Liability Insurance
- Professional Indemnity
- Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
- Association Reimbursement
- Entity Insurance
Provides protection for office bearers and employees in the course of carrying out their duties on behalf of their organisation.
Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management Magazine
All members of FTLA Member Groups receive the Victorian Landcare magazine. A partnership between the Victorian government, the FTLA and the Victorian Catchment Management Council, the magazine is the premier Landcare publication circulated in Victoria.
Other member benefits
The FTLA provides other benefits in response to member needs, particularly information and advice. Examples include “Secrets for Successful Groups” training programme and the “TAX FAQ” sheets.
Annual Subscription
The annual subscription of the FTLA, which runs from 1st July to 30th June, is made up of three components. Two of the components are fixed for all Member Groups and the third is variable depending on the number of members comprising a Member Group. All fees are GST inclusive.
For current information please access the Victorian Landcare Gateway at http://www.landcarevic.net.au/ftla. Registration forms etc are available under Documents.
Further Information
Please contact the FTLA on (03) 9207 5527 or email ftla@vff.org.au
