The true value of natural resource management

THE remit of a Natural Resource Management (NRM) company like NQ Dry Tropics is much broader than the name suggests.

It’s not just about promoting environmental sustainability, improving water and soil health, or protecting biodiversity.

Naturally these are key focus areas – and the main reasons NRM groups were created nearly 20 years ago.

However, we are in the business of building resilience – environmental, social and economic.

Operating at the heart of regional communities, we support primary producers to be more profitable, sustainable and robust so they can better deal with the challenges they face.

This means they can grow and continue contributing towards vibrant local economies.

We also work to strengthen social fabric, helping producers in often isolated locations to connect with a wider community of peers.

Droughts and recent flooding in our region highlight the critical importance of this work.

The most effective way to minimise the extent of future flood plumes impacting the reef will be  continuing the work to keep soil on land, increase groundcover and boost productivity.

Repairing damaged landscapes with on-ground measures is key, but it’s only part of the solution.

By also incorporating a strong education focus into our programs, we are changing landholders’ attitudes and practices to achieve better land management for the long term.

This highlights the true value of what we do, which is why it is imperative governments continue to commit to funding NRMs.

Our communities depend on us.

– CEO NQ Dry Tropics Dr Scott Crawford