Natural Asset Management - November 2013
By: Natural Asset Management Coordinator, Travis Sydes...
It has been a rather busy month with many external and internal projects ramping up as they either begin or come to a close. In the pest management planning space the Hinchinbrook and Cairns Local Area Pest Management Plans have been accepted by the State Government. Tablelands has been released for public consultation and I'm happy to report Cassowary Coast is not far behind.
On the weed front we have seen several new outbreaks of previously unrecorded species in the Southern Tablelands. Because of its high altitude and cooler climate this part of our region is susceptible to a broad range of tropical to sub-tropical weeds. I will write more on these outbreaks next month.
The Invasive Plants and Animals Co-investment Model (LGAQ/DAFF) is progressing well with a meeting of the think tank convening last week to compile the responses from the consultation discussed in last month's newsletter. A response will be compiled for circulation shortly.
Terrain NRM and FNQROC convened with Local Governments and other stakeholders to review the regionally generated preliminary draft of Strategic Offset Investment Corridors (SOIC). This State-commissioned project aims to determine suitable areas for biodiversity offsets underway in select bioregions across the State Government. The primary questions for Local Government in this space are understanding the intended end use of the mapping output and how it relates to the QPP and associated offsets policy. We will keep you informed on this front when more is known.
Hinchinbrook NRM Forum and Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forum - shared agenda for a bumper edition
Land managers will converge on the brilliant facilities at Hinchinbrook Shire Council's Tyto Wetlands Centre this month for a forum which spans sustainable agriculture, water quality and pest management. The packed three day agenda (subject to change) will bring together a broad spectrum of presenters from local groups and agencies to national research programs and interstate visitors. Bookings are essential to assist with catering.
Please note we had hoped to have a field day demonstrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in action, but due to pending State approvals we have postponed the event to a time (we expect) early next year when commercial operators will be able to operate in Queensland airspace.
Terrain NRM organisational review and re-structure
As many will be aware Terrain NRM, the Natural Resource Management organisation for the Wet Tropics, has undergone a major organisational review and restructure over the past 12 months or so. The primary concerns from some Local Governments have been the loss or redirection of local staff/positions to new roles or portfolios within the organisation. The new look NRM group for the Wet Tropics will take some adjusting to but we do need to remind ourselves that the two major issues many local governments had with the previous arrangements; the size of the organisation and the lack of on-ground resources reaching the 'coal-face' have good opportunity to be addressed in the new model. Carole Sweatman, Terrain CEO, has indicated that issues raised by local government were some of the key principles at the core of the restructure.
To assist in navigating your way around roles, portfolios and personalities of the revised Terrain NRM, they have kindly provided us with their new organisational chart. For more information on Terrain NRM go to www.terrain.org.au.
Upcoming dates:
Mossman Hiptage Taskforce, November 4-8, Mossman
Hinchinbrook NRM Forum/FNQPAF/NAMAC - November 19-22, Tyto Wetlands Centre, Ingham
Terrain NRM Annual General Meeting - November 29, 4pm, Cairns
For more information or to keep abreast of new developments and forums in this space join our mailing list to receive meeting notifications go to the region's very own resource at the Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forum Website www.fnqpaf.com.au.