Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Project Profile

Issues

Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is making an exemplary effort to achieve and maintain community engagement in Natural Resource Management, especially through Landcare and its members.  Southern Rivers CMA has adopted strategies to achieve a high level of engagement with Landcare and Coastcare community groups and networks in implementing the Catchment Action Plan.

Project Detail

Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for its role in promoting Natural Resource Management (NRM) throughout the Southern Rivers Catchment.

Southern Rivers CMA is making a significant effort to achieve and maintain community engagement in NRM, especially through Landcare and its members.  The Southern Rivers CMA adopts strategies to achieve a high level of engagement with Landcare and Coastcare community groups and networks in implementing the Catchment Action Plan.

Southern Rivers CMA has developed strong partnerships with Landcare and Coastcare community groups and it facilitates river rehabilitation, estuary management and biodiversity programs and provides focused support to Landcare groups in seven sub-catchments for planning and on-ground works.

One of the features of Southern Rivers CMA’s successful operation in its community is that the Board members and executive staff have made community engagement a priority and have regular contact and meetings with District Landcare Associations.   Southern Rivers CMA has provided direct support to seven District Landcare Associations and 120 Landcare and Coastcare groups.  In partnership with other community groups and individual landholders, Southern Rivers CMA has helped employ 21 people full time and 18 people part time who liaise directly with on-ground volunteers, landholders and project managers throughout the region.

Other significant achievements of Southern Rivers CMA include partnerships with Indigenous communities, Conservation Volunteers Australia, industry groups such as Monaro Farming Systems, Bega Cheese and the South Coast and Southern Highlands Dairy Industry Group as well as Southern Councils Group and local government to achieve improved environmental and productivity outcomes on properties in the area.

The Southern Rivers CMA Catchment Action Plan has five main program areas; Biodiversity, Coast and Marine, Water, Soils and Land Capability, and Community and Partnerships.  A specific management target was also established to reflect the importance of providing local groups and individuals with dedicated and skilled support staff who would form the core of a “support system” to foster local NRM partnerships and projects.

Southern Rivers CMA is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010.  Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Southern Rivers Catchement Management Authority