WHAT WE DO

Natural resource management (NRM) is an integrated approach to caring for our natural assets.

It takes account of human activities and natural processes to make sure they are balanced and carefully managed for the best outcomes for today’s needs and for future generations, right across the South Coast region.

Our natural assets are our soils, water and air. They also include our ocean, biodiversity and our unique plants and wildlife, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Our living assets are impossible to replace, and the natural assets they rely on are expensive to repair – our best solution is to protect and improve what we have now.

Our communities play an important role in effective natural resource management. Our social and cultural assets are the individuals, communities, organisations and social networks that drive and support sustainable natural resource management and the protection of our Indigenous Cultural heritage.

The South Coast region is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and magnificent coastline and is internationally recognised as one of the world’s 34 biodiversity ‘hot-spots’. Careful, strategically planned, and appropriate, on-ground activities are essential in protecting the South Coast’s future.

Much of our region’s wealth and wellbeing relies on our natural resources, and the benefits they bring through essential ecological services that enhance production and profitability. Effective management of our natural resources helps agriculture, tourism, fisheries and forestry, and other rural industries to achieve the best management practices to:

→ Adapt to changes in climate, economic and market conditions;

→ Manage threats to water and ocean quality and soil health;

→ Control pest animals, weeds and diseases;

→ Manage fire regimes, waste and pollution; and

→ Protect and enhance our native vegetation and habitat for our wildlife.