85 BURDEKIN DRY TROPICS NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016-2026
Review of previous plan
The first plan was developed through an extensive consultation process in 2003-4 and published by the Burdekin Dry Tropics Board in May 2005 as the Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management Plan( 2005-2010). The 2013-15 review highlighted the following update requirements:
A systems approach: Delivery must recognise that resource management inherently balances the interconnected social, cultural, environmental and commercial values of country for present and future generations.
Continuous and flexible planning: Some elements of the plan need to be updated annually as new information, risks and opportunities come to light, while others, like the goals, need to remain as a clear long-term commitment for a decade or more.
Up front human capacity building: The plan needs to address human elements of NRM because an NRM plan is about much more than government allocating financial resources. It is used and delivered by those with the understanding, skills, motivation, time and tools to take action.
Simple options: The region and our community are complex, but the plan should be neither complex nor prescriptive. Detailed planning targets can restrict uptake in a constantly changing environment, and non-statutory plans mean people need to choose how, when and where they will‘ opt-in’ to deliver NRM.
Measurable and realistic success indicators: We need to identify indicators that show actions are having the expected result. There needs to be a clear mechanism for determining progress, so that people will remain connected to delivering against the indicators.
Ownership of decision making: Interest in delivering an old plan naturally declines as those involved move on. Processes allowing for continuous community involvement and motivation to participate in decision making around plan delivery and renewal are critical.
Commitment to monitoring: A review of the 2005 plan highlighted the importance of making an ongoing commitment to monitoring. Achievements were strongest in areas such as water quality, where this commitment had been made. The review also demonstrated better results in areas where strategic approaches had been updated and renewed during the plan’ s delivery rather than at the end of its operational life.
APPENDIX A