Widespread involvement is needed to make this a representative ‘plan for the region’.
The NRM Plan is being developed in collaboration with all the key partners of the Board - landholders, industry, traditional owners, community groups and federal, state and local government.
Stage 1: December 2007 – February 2008
Survey: The first stage involved a survey to gather priorities for NRM and help develop long term vision and goals.
Stakeholder workshops and briefings: A series of workshops were held with key stakeholders including local and state government, indigenous representatives and industry groups.
Approximately 220 representatives of industry, community leaders, local government, the Board, environmental groups and the Agricultural Excellence Alliance attended the workshops.
Some of the priority areas, management actions and considerations identified during these workshops were climate change, coastal management, sustainable agriculture, water availability and use, local government and development planning, community capacity building and on-ground delivery.
Stage 2: March – August 2008
Youth involvement: Schools and teachers will be invited to identify their priorities for the future management of natural resources in the region by attending community information sessions and through online participation.
Community information sessions: Any members of the community will be welcome to attend one of four workshops to be held around the region during August 2008. Participants can comment on draft vision and goals, and management priorities. These workshops will be held at Ceduna on Monday, 18 August, Wudinna Tuesday 19 August, Whyalla 20 August and Thursday 21 August
At the conclusion of Stage 2 of the engagement process, the Strategic Plan will be revised and the draft business plan prepared.
Stage 3: Late 2008
Once the draft NRM plan is endorsed by the NRM Board, it must be submitted to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. The Minister will release a version of the plan for extensive consultation following his review.
A detailed engagement program will be developed in the first half of 2008 to outline how stakeholders across the region can provide feedback on the draft NRM plan.
What is in the NRM plan
State of the region report: Consolidates all current knowledge about the current condition of natural and social resources, as well as identifying key threats and knowledge gaps. The report will be used to help develop targets for the region and prioritise strategies and actions.
Strategic plan: A 10 year plan for all stakeholders working on NRM in the region. It includes a collective vision and goals, as well as strategic priorities and resource condition targets. These are 15-20 year measurable targets for all the key natural resources in the region. The strategic plan is reviewed after 5 years.
Business plan: This part of the NRM plan outlines what the Board will invest in NRM actions over the coming 3 years to assist in achieving the goals and targets. It includes a detailed investment strategy, outlining the staff, physical and financial resources needed by the Board in order to implement the plan including required levy payments. A detailed monitoring and evaluation framework is also included.
The NRM plan will also include a policy framework which outlines the Board’s compliance, permit and pest plant and animal control policies.