MEDIA RELEASE 3 June 2011 Guiding the management of our natural resources A five-year Natural Resource Management strategy for north west Tasmania has been released on behalf of the region by the Cradle Coast NRM Committee. Developed in consultation with community, industry and government over a nine month period, the Strategy is available to residents and land managers to guide the sustainable management of the region’s land, waterways and coasts. The Committee’s approach to the Strategy’s development recognised that natural resources deliver a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits to the region. It was an approach made possible by the diverse interests, community groups and industries represented by the NRM Committee membership. The nine-member Committee has agricultural, scientific, educational, Aboriginal heritage, environmental conservation, policy and forestry experience and meet monthly to oversee the natural resource management strategic planning process and guide the projects of one of the region’s natural resource stakeholders, the Cradle Coast NRM organisation. Chairman of the Committee, Rick Rockliff, has over 30 years of commercial agricultural experience ranging from his appointment as the first Field Officer of Tasmanian Alkaloids to former Chairman of the Tasmania Agricultural Productivity Group and member of the Sassafras/Wesley Vale Irrigation committee. Currently also the Deputy Mayor of Latrobe Council, Mr Rockliff was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2000 for service to the community, particularly through agriculture, arts and local government. Other Cradle Coast NRM Committee members are Dr Shane Broad (Deputy Chairman), Eva Finzel (King Island NRM Group), Geoff King (Tassie Devil Tours, farmer and member of Arthur Pieman Management Committee), Bill Walker (landscape, horticultural and wildlife service provider), Brett Noble (Policy and Projects Group DPIPWE), Sue Jennings (Senior Research Forester, Forestry Tasmania), Hank Horton (Indigenous tourism operator and heritage consultant) and Peter Tyson (farmer, industry consultant and Board Member of the Tasmanian Dairy Industry Authority). A Committee with such a diverse representation of interests, skills and experiences generates healthy discussion at meetings. Mr Rockliff says that the group importantly mirrors the diversity of natural and productive assets in the Cradle Coast and that all members are passionate about their responsibility to the region. “The region’s land, coasts and water are the foundation for vibrant communities, our industries and our wellbeing. The Committee, just like all members of the community, has a stake in managing these assets so that they’re passed to future generations in as good or better condition,” Mr Rockliff said. “The natural resource management strategy is a guide for anyone living or working here to identify issues and opportunities and to support positive action.”
The Cradle Coast NRM Committee will soon be advertising for additional members. Members are appointed by a selection panel established through a public process and serve for a term of up to three years. Expressions of interest to join the Cradle Coast NRM Committee are welcome by calling Luke Sayer on 6431 6285. Copies of the Natural Resource Management Strategy for the Cradle Coast region can be obtained by calling 6431 6285 or as a download from www.cradlecoastnrm.com End… Media photo and interview opportunity • Penguin Surf Lifesaving Club – 11.30am Tuesday 7th June with Cradle Coast NRM Committee members. Copies of the regional strategy will be available. Background • • • • •
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Cradle Coast NRM works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. The three Tasmanian NRM regions were created under the Natural Resource Management Act 2002 and are responsible for the development of regional strategies and the facilitation, monitoring and reporting of NRM works. Cradle Coast NRM, NRM North and NRM South are part of a network of 56 regional bodies across Australia. As well as providing technical advice, the organisations assist with sustainable land management, tree plantings, weed control works, coastal conservation and threatened plant and animal monitoring throughout the State. Over the past year, the three regions have supported more than 2,700 volunteers, worked with 110 Landcare, Coastcare and other community groups, and assisted 775 landholders. Collectively the three regions have awarded more than $1.2 million in community and landholder grants. Cradle Coast NRM is an independent committee hosted by the Cradle Coast Authority.
Media Contacts: Richard Ingram – Executive Officer Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 0438 450 837
Amanda Wilson - Communications Manager Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 6431 6285