Have your say on draft Regional NRM Plan for Northern and Yorke

The Northern and Yorke NRM Board will release the draft Regional NRM Plan - which includes the 2018-28 Strategic Plan and 2018-21 Business Plan - to the public on 4 September, and the community consultation period will remain open for two months.

Northern and Yorke NRM Board Presiding Member Eric Sommerville said that a series of open information sessions, drop in events and the YourSAy online portal will ensure that the region’s voices are heard.

“Our community is at the centre of natural resources management and we are keen to hear from local people throughout this process so we can share the issues and reach solutions,” Mr Sommerville said.

“I encourage you to come along and comment on the plans, ask questions and provide input – vibrant communities, prosperous enterprises and strong regions all rely on natural resources so it is in all of our best interests to manage them effectively.”

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Regional Director Trevor Naismith said the draft plan had been prepared with significant input from the region’s three Community Action Planning programs (Naturally Yorke, Living Flinders and Mid North Horizons), local government representatives and other government agencies.

“Although the draft Regional NRM Plan has been developed with local knowledge, we are still seeking feedback from the community to ensure that we are on the right track,” Mr Naismith said.

“Whether you are a resident, primary producer, tourism operator, volunteer, work with an NGO, industry or local government, our livelihoods depend on natural resources so it’s vital that the Plan reflects the values of the people who live and work in the Northern and Yorke region.”

Mr Sommerville said that levy payers and partner organisations have consistently asked for a greater emphasis on pest and weed control programs and this is a key focus in the Plan.

“The Strategic Plan has been reviewed for the first time in ten years, taking into consideration the opportunities and challenges faced by our region,” Mr Sommerville said.

“The Board’s Business Plan has been built from the ground up based on the Strategic Plan, to ensure that we are delivering what the community has asked for.”

Dates and venues for the community consultation sessions to be held across the region will be announced in the coming weeks.