Biodiversity management The MidCoast region contains important biodiversity and natural assets, which have intrinsic value and play a vital role in supporting our community’s socioeconomic and cultural wellbeing. Maintaining healthy and biodiverse environments underpins the economy of the region and the way of life of its residents and visitors. Much of the natural habitat in the region is on private land. To achieve our communities’ vision for a healthy natural environment, we have a shared responsibility to appropriately and effectively manage, conserve and restore the biodiversity, environment and natural assets of the MidCoast region. From July 2018 to June 2021 Council undertook a range of projects to protect biodiversity across multiple tenures, working with community and government partners. Biodiversity Framework Over three years to June 2021, MidCoast Council developed a Biodiversity Framework in partnership with the community and other stakeholders. The framework was adopted by Council in July 2021. It outlines a 10-year program to maintain and enhance the condition and function of the natural environment. Applying clear and consistent objectives for biodiversity will assist in meeting statutory requirements and achieving biodiversity outcomes. The framework brings together tools, projects and plans to help Council work in a coordinated and adaptive way. The biodiversity program within the framework is grouped within six themes: • • • • • •
Engagement and partnerships Reserves and conservation agreements Land management Science and knowledge Strategic planning and policies Land use planning and development
Implementation of the Biodiversity Framework will be both on Council land and private land, through voluntary partnerships and programs with the community, farmers and other landholders. It will work in the context of legislation and align with other relevant plans and policies. It will position the MidCoast region to capture investment opportunities and help maintain our areas’ liveability and desirability.
State of the Environrment Report 2021
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