Recently, three key CEOs from Western Australia’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) sector travelled to Canberra for the Annual NRM CEOs Forum. This prestigious event brought together over 50 NRM leaders from across Australia, providing a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and strategic discussions.
The forum featured a series of insightful sessions, including a deep dive into the Wentworth Group’s Blueprint to Repair Landscapes. This influential blueprint outlines innovative strategies for rehabilitating and managing Australia’s landscapes, offering a comprehensive framework that could significantly impact NRM practices nationwide.
Another crucial topic was Commonwealth funding opportunities. The forum explored existing funding mechanisms, new opportunities on the horizon, and potential avenues for future financial support. This discussion was particularly relevant for WA’s NRM sector as it seeks to bolster its financial resources and enhance its capacity for managing natural resources effectively.
The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC was also a key focus, highlighting initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in agriculture. This research collaboration aims to drive sustainable practices and reduce emissions, aligning with broader environmental goals and offering new avenues for agricultural innovation.
Private investment was another critical subject. The forum examined how private sector funding can complement public efforts in NRM, opening up possibilities for new partnerships and investment strategies that can drive impactful environmental outcomes.
One of the most valuable aspects of the forum was the opportunity for WA’s NRM leaders to engage with their counterparts from other states. The comparison of different NRM models revealed interesting insights. For instance, WA and Queensland share similarities in their funding structures, both operating independently from direct government control—a contrast to the models seen in New South Wales. Unlike Victoria and New South Wales, which utilize a socialized levy for funding, WA and Queensland do not rely on such mechanisms, offering unique perspectives on how state-level funding models can be structured.
These discussions and comparisons not only enriched the understanding of various NRM approaches but also fostered a collaborative spirit among the attendees. The shared experiences and diverse perspectives provided a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities within the NRM sector, paving the way for future cooperation and innovation.
As WA’s NRM leaders return from the forum, they bring back a wealth of knowledge and a renewed commitment to advancing the state’s environmental goals. The insights gained from this gathering will undoubtedly inform their strategies and actions moving forward, ensuring that Western Australia remains at the forefront of effective natural resource management.
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Published eNews #394, Sept 2024