The people who live and work in our region and whose health, wealth and wellbeing depend on its natural resources, own this plan.
BURDEKIN DRY TROPICS NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016-2026
I
We are privileged to live in the beautiful Burdekin Dry Tropics region, which boasts extraordinary biodiversity, world-class wetlands, prime agricultural land, and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area( GBRWHA).
Our region’ s future economic, social and environmental prosperity relies on protecting our natural resources, which include water, soil and air. It is crucial that we sustainably manage these natural resources so that future generations can swim, dive, fish, keep cattle, grow crops, and continue to enjoy the wonderful lifestyle our region has to offer. This means protecting the environment and maintaining the agricultural and industrial productivity that supports our economy.
The people who live and work in our region and whose health, wealth and wellbeing depend on its natural resources, own this plan.
That’ s why the Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management( NRM) Plan is so important. It sets out a blueprint to guide future planning and investment priorities for NRM in our region. It:
• highlights the threats that we face, and puts forward strategies to manage them;
• identifies a diverse range of opportunities to enhance our management of natural resources;
• promotes partnerships between government, community groups, industry, scientists and NRM organisations – because working together and sharing knowledge leads to better results; and
• recognises that land managers need support and training to implement innovative, sustainable practices.
This strategic plan was developed under our guidance, and in consultation with land holders, technical experts, government, landcare groups, industry groups and the wider Burdekin Dry Tropics community. We actively sought input from the community and we have listened to those who provided input, and sought to accurately reflect their views and priorities in this document.
The plan belongs to the people of the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, and its success depends on community support and involvement. We believe it is a valuable tool that will play a key role in shaping our response to the NRM issues that affect us all.
The Burdekin NRM Plan Community Governance Group
FOREWORD