What is the NRM Plan and what is it for?
The Natural Resources Management (NRM) Plan presents a strategy for the sustainable use and protection of the natural assets of the Northern and Yorke region. This includes the soil that supports our agricultural industries, the water that we rely on, native plants and animals, and our wonderful coasts and marine environments.
The Plan sets out a vision for the future of natural resources in the region and documents the strategies and actions needed to see the vision achieved. It also brings together a range of existing plans and strategies to provide more effective use of limited resources.
The Plan has four sections. It presents detailed information about the region’s natural resources in a State of the Region Report, and analyses the threats the assets face and the opportunities that exist for better management of them. A Strategic Plan describes the future environment we want to live in, sets targets for resource condition and the management actions needed to achieve them. It also proposes strategies and projects to deal with threats and promote sound management. A Business Plan details the investment needed to implement the Plan and a Regulatory and Policy Framework outlines the administrative measures needed to protect the environment.
Implementing the NRM Plan will involve whole communities and will ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefits afforded by the region’s natural resources.
What’s the Board’s role in developing the Plan?
The Northern and Yorke NRM Board has the responsibility, under the NRM Act, to develop and maintain the NRM Plan. While the Board prepares the Plan, it does so in the interests of the region’s communities, industries, and State and Local Governments. The Plan has been drafted through a process of intense consultation and is now available for comment.
How has the Plan been developed?
Extensive research, analysis and consultation underpin the NRM Plan. It has been developed through reports, surveys and previous plans and strategies; by analyzing environmental data and economic information; and through consultation with experts, natural resource administrators and managers, and community representatives.
The Plan targets regional priorities, but it also aligns with (and will help implement) plans and strategies of the South Australian and Australian Governments.
What involvement has the community had in its development?
There are two phases of community input to the Plan. The first phase has involved community members with a strong interest in natural resources management. Their understanding and expert knowledge has been incorporated in the draft Plan through reviews of literature and previous plans, interviews and participation in workshops.
Formal input has also come via Local Government.
The broad consultation that is now underway regarding the draft Plan is the second phase of community input. In this phase the emphasis is on getting information out to as many people as possible and ensuring it meets their needs and input.
How were the goals and targets developed?
The goals and targets reflect both local needs and priorities, as well as those needed to contribute to State and national priorities. They are based on an analysis of issues and a logical framework. Aspirational Targets are the long term goals for the condition of key natural resources needed to support sustainable use. More specific ten – twenty year targets are then set for the condition of the resources, and they are supported by shorter term targets that focus on the management needed to achieve the targeted environmental outcomes.
How will the NRM Plan be funded?
The implementation of the NRM Plan will be funded by various sources. The Australian Government is a major investor, through programs such as Caring for our Country, and the SA Government also provides financial support. A third source of funding is income from NRM levies, paid by resource users in the region.
The Board uses local investments as a foundation from which it aims to attract grants, such as those now coming through the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program. The Business Plan presents a detailed budget for expenditure and income.
In addition to the funds earmarked in the NRM Plan, there are significant other investments from a range of NRM stakeholders such as State Departments, Local Government, community groups, volunteers and individual resource managers.
How much will it cost and what are the benefits?
The major programs in the NRM Plan deal with;
| Pest Plant and Animal Control |
$2.30 mill |
| Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems |
$1.15 mill |
| Healthy Marine Ecosystems |
$0.74 mill |
| Viable Water Resources |
$0.77 mill |
| Community Empowerment |
$0.76 mill |
| Healthy Soils |
$0.39 mill |
Through these programs, the Board and other stakeholders will help to: maintain or improve the condition of resources that drive the agricultural and fishing industries of the region (eg soil and water); to protect and enhance the marine and terrestrial environments all residents, holiday makers and tourists enjoy; and to further build the capacity of people and organizations in the region who are committed to the sustainable management of natural resources.
The wonderful lifestyles available within the region and the economic contributions from its primary industries will be maintained to the benefit of all.
How will it be implemented?
The Board’s role is to coordinate the development of the NRM Plan, and to manage the delivery of programs and funding from the Commonwealth and State Governments and an NRM levy, to achieve its objectives. While the Board carries out important Animal and Plant control programs, its main role is to strategically fund and provide support to community and government agencies to carry out NRM in the region.
How can I have a say about the draft NRM Plan?
The Board is holding a series of community and government workshops and briefings about the NRM Plan throughout the region during September to December 2008.
Information about times and locations is available from www.nynrm.sa.gov.au; by emailing board@nynrm.sa.gov.au; by contacting the Board on 8636 2361; or phoning the NRM Plan information line on 1300 558 026.