Overview

Natural Resource Management (NRM) refers to the active management of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants and animals, with a particular focus on the principles of sustainable development.  It seeks to maintain the environmental, economic and social benefits provided by the Huon Valley's natural resources.  In addition, it places a value on ecosystem services such as clean drinking water.  Natural Resource Management specifically focuses on a scientific and technical understanding of resources and ecology and the life-supporting capacity of those resources.

The sustainable management of our natural resources is vital if we are to ensure our ongoing social, economic and environmental wellbeing.  As managers of public land and land use planners, local government has responsibility for the regulation of a wide range of activities that may impact upon Natural Resource Management.  In many instances, Councils have a legislative requirement to ensure the protection and sustainable use of natural resources.  A number of pieces of State and Federal legislation guide Council's NRM activities. 

In recent years, the focus of Council's NRM Unit has had an emphasis on:

• Increasing community education and public awareness of NRM issues;
• Co-ordination and support for on-ground projects;
• Support for "Volunteer Care Groups" (eg. Landcare, Coastcare and Bushcare);
• Mapping of natural values and threats;
• Provision of advice in the assessment of development applications;
• Input into the development of a new Huon Valley Planning Scheme;
• Integration of NRM across a range of Council functions;
• Assisting Council to meet its legislative obligations;
• Education of Council staff, particularly the outdoor crew; and
• On ground works on Council managed land, including rehabilitation and weed management.
• Climate change issues, including adaptation, renewable energy generation and energy efficiency measures.

 

Objectives

The Huon Valley Council NRM Unit works to implement the priorities outlined in the Natural Resource Management Strategy(4993 kb) and Huon Valley Weed Management Strategy 2013-2018, and relevant elements of the Huon Valley Council Strategic Plan 2010-2015.

Advice and specific recommendations provided by the Huon Valley Council Natural Resource Management Advisory Committee.