Regional NRM bodies emerged at a scale between local government and state government, with a key role in Natural Resource Management (NRM) planning and program delivery. There are 56 regional NRM organisations in Australia, which vary in system and structure between different States and Territories.
The 14 community-based Regional NRM bodies in Queensland work in partnership with the community to look after state’s natural assets, such as soil, water and vegetation. Regional bodies are community based, not-for-profit organisations accredited by the Australian and Queensland governments to plan, fund and implement programs under regional NRM plans.
Regional bodies build partnerships with land managers, community groups, industry groups, Indigenous groups, research and education institutions and local, State and Australian Governments to:
- Mobilise on-ground work
- Strengthen partnerships
- Provide incentives
- Share knowledge
- Plan for regional natural resource management
- Monitor the health of natural resources and outcomes of collaborative work
Key achievements
Performance Reporting of Queensland’s regional NRM bodies highlighted some impressive outcomes for December 2008 to July 2009 captured by Regional NRM Programs, Department of Environment and Resource Management. This is the first reporting period for all Reef Rescue implementers.
The majority of achievements were funded under Caring for our Country and Queensland's Regional NRM program. Other achievements were delivered through National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, Natural Heritage Trust and National Landcare Program contracts. All of the achievements were delivered through regional NRM groups, Reef Rescue industry groups, State government agencies and other service providers.
Some of these achievements include:
· 376,291 hectares (ha) of native vegetation protected by fencing
· 1,446,448 ha of native vegetation enhanced/rehabilitated
· 1054 ha revegetation with native vegetation
· 227,800 ha of pest plant control
· 776, 391 ha of pest animal control
· 6378 ha of land where improved irrigation practices have been adopted by 137 landholders
· 566 new or improved natural resource monitoring programs
· 5401 biophysical studies, surveying 92,457,870 ha
· 2313 sub-regional plans developed
· 2061 awareness raising events attended by 90,734 participants
· 1534 training events attended by 15,417 participants
· 6358 community groups or projects assisted
· 2470 collaborative arrangements established.
See the Collective’s 2008 Annual Report, Regional NRM News and the Knowledge Pool for greater insight to these achievements.
