13December 2004
Consultation Process for Draft Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan
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Dr Chris Burns MLA
Minister for Lands and Planning
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Lands and Planning Minister Dr Chris Burns has called for public comment on the draft plan for the future management of the Northern Territory’s natural resources.
The Draft Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan has been developed by the Landcare Council of the Northern Territory under an agreement between the Australian and NT governments. It will be on public exhibition for the next seven weeks.
“The plan aims to develop targets for sustainable natural resource management,” Dr Burns said.
“It will be linked to an investment strategy that will prioritise proposed management actions to most effectively deliver the targets.
“Consistent with previous Natural Heritage Trust arrangements, the Commonwealth and Northern Territory will work towards matching investment to achieve the outcomes of the plan.”
Each State and Territory is going through a similar planning process. Fifty-six regions have been defined Australia-wide, with the Northern Territory being unique in having only one region declared within its borders.
The Draft INRM Plan describes the current conditions, use, threats, and possible management solutions for the Territory’s natural resources and environments. These resources are divided into five assets: terrestrial biodiversity, land, inland waters, coastal and marine, and community.
INRM recognises that land, sea, coasts, freshwater systems, their biodiversity, and people and their associated land uses are interconnected.
INRM also recognises the need for policies, legislation, and management programs to be developed to ensure cross-institutional, cross-border, cross-cultural, and multi-threat based approaches to natural resource management.
The seven-week public exhibition and comment period for the Draft INRM Plan for the NT begins today and ends 31 January 2005.
Everyone with a vested interest in Natural Resource Management is encouraged to review the plan and provide a written submission to the INRM planning team by 31 January 2005.
The plan is available online at www.inrm.nt.gov.au
Hard copies and CD-ROMs of the plan may be obtained by telephoning the free call number 1800 208 239.
There will be a series of public meetings held in Katherine, the Top End and Alice Springs regions.
The Katherine region from 13 - 16 December 2004
The Top End region from 13 – 24 January 2005
The Alice Springs region from 19 - 20 January 2005