MEDIA RELEASE
This year marks the 20th anniversary for the state’s three natural resource management organisations. Since 2003, Tasmania’s Natural Resource Management sector has been working to address the balance between the demands of production and the preservation of our precious ecosystems and this significant milestone was celebrated yesterday as part of NRM South’s AGM.
NRM South, NRM North and the Cradle Coast Authority were established in 2003 as part of Tasmanian Government legislation. Over the past two decades they have collectively invested millions of dollars and countless hours towards hundreds of small- and large-scale projects across Tasmania aimed at protecting our island’s unique places, at-risk species and productive landscapes.
NRM South’s CEO Nepelle Crane, reflecting on the organisation’s trajectory over the past two decades, remarked that its role and purpose can be divided into three distinct eras. ‘One of our first tasks was developing early partnerships with stakeholders, many of whom we still work with today’, explained Nepelle. ‘Collecting important baseline data across our species, waterways and landscapes was also a large part of our early work, as well as developing our first Regional Strategy. We later moved into a period of catchment-scale projects, and in the last few years we have also increased our focus on collaborations to deliver more impactful outcomes. Our Boards have been an essential part of this journey. We are thrilled to commemorate our 20-year AGM with the appointment of our new Chair, Bob Rutherford, and we would like to thank our departing Chair Andrew Scanlon for his efforts over the past eight years.’
Tasmania’s NRM sector largely focuses on conservation efforts for endangered species and working to restore important habitats, on the development of important industry partnerships to improve sustainable production practices – including carbon sequestration initiatives, climate resilience programs and sustainable agriculture and fisheries, collaborating with researchers and implementing innovations into project designs, and fostering strong community engagement and partnerships – including with Tasmania’s Aboriginal community.
Minister Jo Palmer recognised these achievements, acknowledging the 20th anniversary of NRM in Tasmania. ‘All three NRM organisations deliver strategic priorities for their regions to support healthy soils, farmland, rivers and other natural resources which underpin our world class agricultural sector and our environment.’ Minister Palmer said. ‘I would like to extend my appreciation to their staff and the great work they have done over the past 20 years and will continue to do for many years to come.’
As the world grapples with increasingly serious environmental challenges, Australia’s NRM model – which operates across the country – is focused on delivering collaborative solutions that benefit our environment, economy, and people. The achievements of Tasmania’s three NRM organisations over the past 20 years are a testament to their commitment to protecting and restoring the natural values upon which we all depend.
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