According to the Queensland Government, Queensland is home to 70 percent of Australia's native mammals (210 species), 80 percent of native birds (594 species), just over half of the nation's native reptiles (429) and native frogs (114), and 11 074 native plant species.

Queensland’s 13 regional natural resource management groups are working in partnership with a wide range of organisations and individuals to enhance Queensland’s biodiversity. The breadth of activity being undertaken is nearly as diverse as our biodiversity itself. Our regional groups are working on community capacity building and education around biodiversity, collecting data about rare, endangered and vulnerable plants and animals, undertaking on-ground biodiversity protection such as fencing off habitat and enhancing corridor connectivity, and planning for species recovery.

The latest edition of the Queensland Regional Groups Collective newsletter, The NRM Rumble focuses on the biodiversity work of Queensland’s regional NRM bodies. It is available by contacting Lane Pilon on 07 4699 5000 or by visiting the RGC website, http://www.rgc.org.au/news/chairs-reports-showcase-achievements-across-qld.
 

Pest plants and animals pose a major threat to Queensland’s biodiversity, our agriculture and our regional lifestyles. But last week, an historic MOU was signed that aims to improve the management of weeds and pest animals across the State.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by by Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective, Local Government Association of Queensland and Biosecurity Queensland (a division of DEEDI) aims to assist in the implementation of the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy, the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and Regional Natural Resource Management plans.

Weeds and pest animals have major impacts on the Queensland economy, environment, social amenity and human health. They impact on primary, tourism and infrastructure industries, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, recreational and social amenity and human health. The cost to Queensland primary industries alone is in excess of $700 million dollars per annum in lost production and control costs.

Andrew Drysdale, CEO Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective believes it is a significant move. “It allows us to ensure better coordination between all parties,” he said. “The MOU clarifies the roles and responsibilities of Local Government, Regional NRM Groups and the State.”

Twenty candidates have nominated for positions on the new Cape York NRM Board.

A Reef Rescue Showcase will be held, 8 – 9 June in Cairns to promote the work of regional groups, landholders and rural industries to improve water quality flowing into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. The event will allow regional bodies and industry groups to share data and research results and to showcase positive practice change stories from across the Reef Rescue catchments.

The program features a range of landholders implementing Reef Rescue projects on their properties as well as overviews from key industry organisations.The regional NRM groups involved in Reef Rescue will also present on key program outcomes including foundations for measuring change; best-practice science and engagement; and partnerships for practice change.

Reef Rescue is a $200 million five-year initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Program. Reef Rescue aims to improve the quality of water flowing into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. The Reef Rescue Showcase is a joint initiative of Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective and Queensland Farmers Federation.
 

People interested in playing a role in the new Natural Resource Management Group being established for Cape York only have a short amount of time to nominate or register to vote.

The deadline for nominations and registrations to vote is Friday 23 April.

Bob Sullivan, former Mayor Cook Shire Council and member of the Cape York NRM Board Steering Committee said the new organisation will provide people from across the Cape with the opportunity to contribute to discussions around natural resource management and sustainability.

“There are already 13 regional natural resource management groups operating across the state,” Sullivan said, “and these organisations have been responsible for managing millions of dollars of investment by the Queensland and Australian Governments in community environmental and natural resource programs.”

“These organisations have developed community regional plans for managing natural resources, have supported land managers with training, resources and support, have lobbied government for integrated policy and legislation, and have formed partnerships with other key groups such as industry groups, the landcare movement and local government,” Sullivan said.

Cape York is the last region in Queensland to have an endorsed regional NRM group established.

After a lengthy community consultation process across Cape York, the region will soon have its own community based organisation for natural resource management planning.

For the past five years, every region of Australia, except Cape York, has been supported in natural resource planning by a regional organisation responsible for community engagement and investment in on-ground programs. And now it is the Cape’s turn.

Bob Sullivan, former Mayor Cook Shire Council and member of the Cape York NRM Board Steering Committee said the new NRM Board will provide people from across the Cape with the opportunity to contribute to discussions around natural resource management and sustainability.

“There are already 13 regional natural resource management groups operating across the state,” Sullivan said, “and these organisations have been responsible for managing millions of dollars of investment by the Queensland and Australian Governments in community environmental and natural resource programs.”