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2021 News
World experts leading future forest scenarios
19-Sep-2021
The Commission has engaged world leading futures and resilience thinkers Adjunct Professor Ste...
Calling citizen scientists to join our first virtual expedition
09-Sep-2021
The NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program has commenced it’s Forest-Eye program and i...
Setting priorities for investment in coastal rivers and estuaries
16-Jul-2021
The Commission released its final reports on the Environmental Trust’s Coastal Rivers and Estuaries Project.
...Government responds to Commission's review of South Coast water sharing plans
12-Jul-2021
The Government has publicly announced that water sharing plans for the NSW South Coast region will...
Connecting community and science with FrogID
30-Jun-2021
The Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program is working with the A...
Science-based monitoring underway for forestry in coastal NSW
09-Jun-2021
The Commission, on behalf of the NSW Forest Monitoring Steering Committee, has provided its f...
Commission purchases Australian Carbon Credit Units
04-Jun-2021
The Commission has purchased Australian Carbon Credit Units through the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation generated through the Ti...
Monitoring plan for fire-affected forestry sites
31-May-2021
The Commission has developed a plan with the Forestry Corporation of NSW to monitor fire affected sites ...
Government responds to reviews of Greater Metropolitan, Richmond and Tweed water sharing plans
12-May-2021
The Minister for Water, Property and Housing has responded to the Commission's review reports of the f...
| 1 Jun | Commission invites submissions to inform its reviews of three water sharing plans
The Commission invites submissions from the public to inform its reviews of water sharing plans for the North Western Unregulated and Fractured Rock, NSW Border Rivers Unregulated River, and Castlereagh River Unregulated water sources. The reviews will focus on the extent to which the water sharing provisions in the plans have materially contributed to the achievement of, or the failure to achieve, environmental, social and economic outcomes. They will also identify whether changes to these provisions are warranted. The submissions close on Friday, 16 July 2021. |
| 26 Apr | Commission launches Aboriginal NRM webpage
The Commission has launched an Aboriginal Natural Resources Management webpage to acknowledge Aboriginal peoples’ deep connection to lands and waters, and their continuing and critical role in caring for country. We hope that the webpage will not only promote our growing efforts in collaborating with Aboriginal peoples and organisations to ensure meaningful participation in natural resource management, but we can use this as a tool to strengthen our engagement with Aboriginal NRM knowledge holders, thought leaders and experts so they can share their knowledge to inform our reviews and advice. |
| 21 Apr | NSW continues to break new ground for evidence on forest health
The NSW Forest Monitoring Steering Committee has delivered its latest progress report on its forest monitoring program. Learn about the state’s first baselines on forest ecosystem health and the nation’s first plan to monitor progress on NSW Regional Forest Agreements. Follow the program over the next year as it continues to deliver priroity evidence for the future of NSW Forests. |
| 1 Apr | Australia’s first dedicated plan to monitor regional forest agreements
The NSW Forest Monitoring Steering Committee has delivered the nation’s first plan to monitor NSW’s Regional Forest Agreements. The plan sets out priority actions, and roles and responsibilities to monitor, evaluate and report on the outcomes sought across all tenures in the three NSW Regional Forest Agreements. This initial plan sets out the vast array of existing forest monitoring and research already undertaken across NSW RFA regions. It is a first step as NSW continues to join up science across government, and sharpen investment on priority monitoring to deliver outcomes and timely information for decision making. |
| 22 Mar | Government responds to five water sharing plan reviews
The Minister for Water, Property and Housing has responded to the Commission's review reports of the following water sharing plans for the: Central Coast Unregulated Water Sources; Coffs Harbour Area Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources; Hunter Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources; Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources; and the Peel Valley Regulated, Unregulated, Alluvial and Fractured Rock Water Sources. The Government's response is available on the Water Sharing Plan Reviews page. |
| 19 Mar | Country’s best scientific minds tackling the causes of tree dieback
Tree dieback is increasing globally, across Australia and within NSW – from the Monaro plains, the Kosciusko Alps to the north coast of NSW. On behalf of the NSW Environmental Trust, the Natural Resources Commission is overseeing the NSW Government’s $1.2 million investment in research to tackle the causes of eucalypt dieback. The Trust has awarded grants to leading researchers at the Australian National University, the CSIRO, University of New England, Macquarie University and Western Sydney University. The Commission and its expert dieback panel will be working closely with leading researchers to identify synergies between the research and ensure that the research informs evidence-based landscape management. |
| 12 Mar | Commission to provide advice on Coastal IFOA operations post 2019-20 bushfires
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has requested the Commission through a terms of reference to provide independent, evidence-based advice on forestry operations under the coastal IFOA as the NSW public forest estate recovers from the 2019-20 bushfires. |
| 17 Feb | Check out our new forest monitoring programs!
The Commission is overseeing different forest monitoring and research projects being undertaken by scientists across government, academia, the private sector and the community. We have refreshed our webpage to provide more content in a more accessible way to help you learn more about what data is being collected by who and when it will be shared. READ MORE about the Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program. Want to know more about monitoring forestry on NSW state forests? Check out our Coastal IFOA monitoring program webpage. |
| 5 Feb | Susan Madden appointed as Assistant Commissioner
Susan Madden has been appointed as an Assistant Commissioner of the Natural Resources Commission. Susan has over 20 years’ experience working in agriculture and natural resources management. This includes experience in undertaking economic analysis and providing policy advice on major reform initiatives in water, native vegetation, fisheries, forestry, biosecurity and agriculture. |
| 4 Feb | Commission to evaluate koala protections on NSW South Coast
The NSW Environmental Trust has asked the Commission to evaluate the Murrah koala flora reserve project. The Murrah Flora Reserves aim to protect important habitat for the last remaining koala population on the NSW Far South Coast and Aboriginal cultural heritage. |
2020 News
| 23 Dec | Forest monitoring program delivering early findings and insights
The NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program’s initial investment of over $2 million with 20 project partners is now delivering early data, finding and insights on NSW forest ecosystems and the communities they support. For example, the program has collated over 30 years of historical data to baseline forest extent and distribution of native species. Projects will continue to deliver valuable data and insights in 2021. The community and researchers can access data in 2021 after data is further quality assured. |
| 21 Dec | Aboriginal expert to advise on forest monitoring and management
Mr Bhiamie Williamson from the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at the Australian National University has joined the NSW Forest Monitoring Steering Committee as a permanent independent expert advisor. Bhiamie is a Euahlayi man from north-west NSW. His research interests include natural resource management, cultural burning and facilitating sustainable community development pathways. In addition, the Commission has engaged the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council and Brungle Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council to lead cultural values and renewal assessments in their regions under the NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program. Coffs Harbour Local Aboriginal Land Council are currently undertaking similar assessments focused on the impacts of the 2019/20 wildfires in their region. |
| 14 Dec | Commission publishes audit of floodplain management plans
The Commission has completed its first audit in line with its statutory responsibility under Section 44 of the Water Management Act 2000 (Act). The audit report was provided to the Minister for Water, Property and Housing in August 2020 and is now available on this website. The report covers the audit of the implementation of the following plans:
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| 23 Nov | Commission provides its annual report to the Minister
The Commission has provided its Annual Report 2019-2020 to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for presentation to the NSW Parliament. The report will be published on the Commission website after it has been tabled in the Parliament. |
| 2 Nov | New coastal IFOA monitoring plans to inform evidence-based decision-making
The Commission has published scientifically robust plans to monitor and evaluate whether the coastal IFOA is achieving objectives and outcomes. Plans are also in place to determine whether the Coastal IFOA is having a neutral, positive or negative impact on landscape-scale environmental values or wood supply. Evidence to inform adaptive management processes will ensure timely and continual improvement. |
| 8 Sep | Commission provides audit of floodplain management plans to the Minister
The Commission has completed its first audit in line with its statutory responsibility under Section 44 of the Water Management Act 2000 (Act). The audit report was provided to the Minister for Water, Property and Housing in August 2020, and will be published shortly on this website. The report covers the audit of implementation of the following plans:
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| 6 Aug | Commission publishes reports on reviews of five water sharing plans
Following their submission to the Minister for Water, Property and Housing in May, the Commission has released its final review reports for the following water sharing plans:
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| 22 Jul | Calling citizen scientists for forest monitoring
The Commission is seeking to connect the citizen science community to the NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program. Working with the Australian Citizen Science Association and its networks, the Commission will identify existing citizen science data and projects that can support the program objectives. |
| 25 Jun | Partnering with leading scientists in new forest monitoring projects
NSW Government partners with Australia’s leading scientists to deliver data for better forest management across national parks, state forests, crown land and private forested land. The Commission, as chair of the Forest Monitoring Steering Committee, has partnered with 10 universities, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Regional NSW, Aboriginal organisations and private consultancies to deliver nation leading forest monitoring services. The Steering Committee has approved 11 new monitoring projects on:
This new work will build on previous investments in assessing post-wildfire impacts to support recovery planning, and monitoring north coast fauna. |
| 25 Jun | Old growth reassessment program suspended
The NSW Government has suspended the program to reassess old growth forest mapping on coastal state forests and approved the repurposing of the remaining funds to the Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program. The 2019-20 fires burnt significant areas of old growth forest and its canopy. The proposed methods under the draft Old Growth Reassessment Framework rely on a remote sensing technique that looks at the forest canopy as a way to indicate areas of structurally mature forest for further field investigation. If the canopy is burnt this method cannot be accurately applied. |
| 22 Jun | Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte appointed as the new Commissioner
The Governor of NSW has appointed Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte as the new Natural Resources Commissioner for five years. Hugh is also the Chief Scientist and Engineer for NSW and will retain that role. He will be working flexibly across both of these roles, and his other roles. |
| 9 Jun | Forest monitoring proposals selected
The Forest Monitoring Steering Committee has approved six new monitoring projects on data services, forest-dependent jobs, Aboriginal culture and renewal, evaluating forest road network, carbon balance of NSW forests, and baselines, trends and drivers for forest water catchments. |
| 21 May | Commission invites submissions to inform its reviews of coastal water sharing plans
The Commission invites submissions from the public to inform its reviews of five coastal water sharing plans. The reviews will focus on the extent to which the water sharing provisions in the plans have materially contributed to the achievement of, or the failure to achieve, environmental, social and economic outcomes. They will also identify whether changes to these provisions are warranted. The submissions close on 5 July 2020. |
| 21 May | Commission provides reports to Minister on reviews of five water sharing plans
The Commission has provided its final review reports for the following water sharing plans to the Minister: Central Coast Unregulated Water Sources, Coffs Harbour Area Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources, Hunter Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources, Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources, and Peel Valley Regulated, Unregulated, Alluvial and Fractured Rock Water Sources. Later, these reports will be made available on this website. |
| 1 May | Commission calls for proposals for the forest monitoring program
The Commission has established two streams to guide program investment and address the state-wide evaluation questions. The Forest Monitoring Steering Committee has endorsed a set of state-wide evaluations questions to guide the future delivery of the program. The questions will link monitoring, evaluation and research to government, stakeholder and community needs about the ecologically sustainable management of NSW forests. |
| 24 Apr | Environmental Trust adopts Commission advice for research priorities on tree dieback
The Environmental Trust has accepted the Commission's advice on research priorities for untangling the causes of tree dieback. Earlier, the Trust engaged the Commission to oversee the delivery of a research program to better understand the causes of eucalyptus dieback in New South Wales. |
| 30 Mar | Commission provides advice on biodiversity reforms
Following a policy review trigger for the Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation reforms being reached in October 2018, the Commission provided independent, evidence-based advice to the NSW Government. Based on the findings of the review, the Commission provided the NSW Government a suite of recommendations to strengthen the Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation reform outcomes. |
| 30 Mar | Commission presents preliminary findings for review of Peel Valley WSP
The Commission presented preliminary findings for its review of Peel Valley water sharing plan at the Namoi Stakeholder Advisory Panel on 30 March 2020. Feedback to the Commission can be provided by 14 April 2020. |
| 25 Mar | Coastal IFOA monitoring program approved
The Commission has overseen the development of the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA) monitoring program, which has now been jointly approved by the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Environment Protection Authority and the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries in March 2020. A detailed monitoring plan for implementation of the program will now be developed. This will include detailed design of the monitoring strategies and key performance indicators. |
| 17 Mar | Commission reports on koala research program
The Commission released an annual progress report on the koala research program. The report explains the progress of the research program to-date and the implications of drought and the 2019/20 wildfires on the program. The report also sets out research opportunities to investigate post-fire impacts. |
2019 News
| 20 Dec | Coastal IFOA monitoring program approved by EPA and DPI
The Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Deputy Director General of the Department of Primary Industries have provided joint approval of the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA) Monitoring Program 2019-2024. The program centres on nine monitoring strategies that will evaluate the effectiveness of priority conditions in meeting the Coastal IFOA objectives and outcomes. |
| 6 Dec | Commission proposes a monitoring program for Coastal IFOA
The Forest Monitoring Steering Committee has endorsed the Coastal IFOA Monitoring Program 2019-2024 which has been submitted for joint approval by the Chief Executive Officer of the Environment Protection Authority and the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries. |
| 6 Dec | Commission announces foundational projects for forest monitoring
The Forest Monitoring Improvement Program Steering Committee has approved funding for two foundational projects to support post-fire ecological recovery and track changes in fauna occupancy including koalas. A key deliverable under the Program Framework 2019-2024 is to establish foundational projects to provide early building blocks for the program. |
| 22 Nov | Environmental Trust considering Commission's recommendations on Major Projects program
The Environmental Trust has received and are considering the Commission's recommendations on the evaluation of the Trust's Major Projects Program – one of the NSW Government’s largest environmental funding programs. The Commission's evaluation focused on the current governance processes to assess whether the Program’s decision making processes are sound, fit for purpose and maximise public value from the Trust’s investment. |
| 14 Nov | Commissioner Dr John Keniry AM to retire in December 2019
Dr Keniry has been planning to retire from the Commission for some time and has confirmed that after eight years he will retire on the 13 December 2019. In the last annual report he indicated: “It has been a privilege to lead the Commission over most of the past eight years, and the opportunity, as an organisation that is independent within government, to contribute to policy review and development across a wide range of natural resource management issues. I wish the Commission well in the future.” |
| 18 Oct | Commission invites comment on draft monitoring program for Coastal IFOA
The NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Steering Committee, independently chaired by the Natural Resources Commission, has developed a draft monitoring program for the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA). The Commission invites comment on the draft monitoring program from all interested parties by 8 November 2019. |
| 6 Sep | Final report on Barwon-Darling Water Sharing Plan review submitted to NSW Government
The Commission has submitted today to the Minister for Water its final report on the review of the Water Sharing Plan for the Barwon-Darling Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2012. The Commission would like to thank the 1,231 respondents who provided submissions throughout this review. The Commission has considered these submissions in finalising the review. |
| 2 Sep | Commission to help Environmental Trust set priorities for Coastal Rivers investment
The Environmental Trust engaged the Commission to review the condition, pressures and management approaches for NSW coastal rivers and wetlands, to better understand the barriers and keys to success for improving their health. The investigation aims to identify where and what to invest in for the best environmental return on investment for NSW coasts. |
| 26 Aug | Submissions on draft report for Barwon-Darling water sharing plan published
The Commission has published on this website submissions received on the draft report for the Barwon-Darling water sharing plan review. The Commission is now considering these submissions to finalise its review to be submitted to the Minister in September 2019. |
| 7 Aug | Commission invites submissions on five water sharing plan reviews
The Commission invites submissions on its review of the following five water sharing plans: Hunter Unregulated and Alluvial; Lower North Coast Unregulated and Alluvial; Peel Valley Regulated, Unregulated Alluvial and Fractured Rock; Greater Metropolitan Region Unregulated River; and Greater Metropolitan Region Groundwater. Submissions are to address five key questions in relation to social, environmental and economic outcomes, and opportunities for improvement. Submissions close on 25 October 2019 |
| 30 Jul | Commission is considering submissions on draft Program Strategy for forest monitoring program
The Commission is now considering the submissions received for the draft Program Strategy to finalise the Program Strategy. |
| 24 Jul | Commission seeks comment on draft report for Barwon-Darling water sharing plan review
The draft report for the Commission’s independent review of the Barwon-Darling water sharing plan is now on public exhibition. Submissions are invited by 22 August 2019. |
| 14 Jun | Minister endorses Commission's recommendations on emergency response capability audit
The then Minister for Primary Industries has endorsed all of the Commission’s 18 recommendations on the audit of Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services’ emergency response capability. DPI and Local Land Services have prepared an action plan to implement these recommendations, building on a reform program already initiated. |
| 7 Jun | Commission has published submissions to Barwon-Darling water sharing plan review
The Commission has published on its website all non-confidential submissions received for the review of Barwon-Darling water sharing plan. The Commission is now considering the submissions to inform its draft report. The draft report will be released in July 2019 for public consultation. |
| 4 Jun | Commission seeks comments on draft forest program strategy
The Premier has asked the Commission under a terms of reference to independently oversee and advise on a state-wide monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement program for NSW forests. The Commission invited public comment on the draft Program Strategy. The comment period ended on 4 July 2019. |
| 3 May | New videos on old growth reassessment
At the request of the Premier, the Commission to independently overseeing a program to reassess existing old growth forest mapping on coastal state forests. The Commission has posted two videos to explain its work. |
| 18 Apr | Commission is considering submissions to Barwon-Darling water sharing plan review
Submissions are now closed for the review of Barwon-Darling water sharing plan. The Commission has received 70 submissions which will be made publicly available shortly. The Commission thanks every individual and organisation who provided submissions. The draft report will be released in July 2019 for public consultation. |
| 25 Feb | Commission to oversee forest monitoring program
The Premier has asked the Commission under a terms of reference to independently oversee and advise on a state-wide monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement program for NSW forests. The program will improve the evidence-base for decision-making for forest management across tenures. This will strengthen the NSW Government’s ability to strategically and adaptively manage forests and forestry practices over time, including state forests, national parks, private native forests and crown forested land. |
| 22 Feb | Commission announces koala research projects
The NSW Government has asked the Commission to oversee an independent research program to better understand how koalas are responding to regeneration harvesting in state forests on the NSW North Coast. The Commission has selected three research projects to investigate how koalas are responding to regeneration harvesting in state forests on the NSW North Coast. |
2018 News
| 13 Dec | NSW Government approves amendments to the Natural Resources Commission Act
The NSW Government has approved amendments to the Natural Resources Commission Act 2003 and these amendments have commenced on 10 December 2018. These amendments follow a Department of Premier and Cabinet review into the functions and performance of the Commission. The amendments will help further position the Commission as an independent source of high quality advice to Government into the future. The amendments clarify that the Commission's functions include:
The amendments also take the opportunity to update and modernise the object of the Act, including by replacing the reference to establishing a "sound scientific basis" with a reference to establishing a "sound evidence basis" for the properly informed management of natural resources in the social, economic and environmental interests of the State. The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that the Commission considers all scientific, environmental, economic, social and cultural knowledge in providing advice to Government. |
| 12 Nov | Commission invites submissions on water sharing plan reviews
The Commission invites submissions to inform its reviews of water sharing plans for the: Coffs Harbour Area Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2009; and the Central Coast Unregulated Water Sources 2009. Submissions close on 16 December 2018. |
| 18 Oct | Commission provides sustainable land management reforms audit report to the Minister
The Commission has provided its final audit report to the Minister for Primary Industries after completing an audit of Local Land Services’ implementation of sustainable land management reforms. |
| 13 Sep | Commission to lead new research on koalas
As a part of the NSW Koala Strategy, the Commission will lead new independent research on how koalas respond to native forest regeneration harvesting on north coast state forests. The Strategy commits $45 million over the next three years to conserve habitat, reduce threats and build new knowledge. |
| 20 Jul | Environmental Trust and EPA accept Commission's recommendations on contaminated land management
The Commission's evaluation of the Environmental Trust's Contaminated Land Management Program has assisted the Trust in determining future direction for the Program. The Environment Protection Authority has also accepted the Commission's recommendations and is working with the Trust to improve delivery and governance of the Program. |
| 13 Jun | NSW Government proposes expanded role for the Commission in water management
In June 2018, the NSW Government introduced the Water Management Amendment Bill 2018 to Parliament. The proposed bill would change and expand the Commission's role in relation to reviews and audits of water sharing plans. The Commission’s role in regards to review of water sharing plans would be revised to focus those reviews on the extent to which plan provisions contributed to triple bottom line outcomes. The Commission is proposed to take over the role of undertaking audits that would assess compliance with provisions of the water sharing plans within the first five years of the plan, under s.44 of the Act. Further, in conducting a review of management plans, the Minister will now be required to consult with the Commission, in addition to the Minister for the Environment. |
| 15 May | NSW Government adopts recommended settings for Coastal IFOA and process to remap old growth forests
The NSW Government has adopted the Commission’s recommended settings for the new draft Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA). The Government has now released the draft Coastal IFOA for public consultation. In addition, the Government has adopted the Commission’s supplementary advice for remapping old growth and rainforests. The Government will request the Commission to oversee further old growth remapping on north coast state forests. Read more |
| 7 May | Commission will lead new research under the NSW Koala Strategy
The NSW Government has released the NSW Koala Strategy. The strategy commits $45 million over the next three years to conserve habitat, reduce threats and build new knowledge. As part of the strategy, the Commission will lead new independent research on how koalas respond to native forest regeneration harvesting on north coast state forests. Read more about the NSW Koala Strategy on the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website. Read more |
| 24 Apr | Government supports Commission’s recommendations to continue the supplementary pest control program
The NSW Government has decided to continue the supplementary pest control program in line with the Commission’s recommendations. In 2017, the Commission provided its final evaluation report to Government and recommended that the program continue and be expanded beyond the trial phase. Read more |
| 12 Mar | Commenced audits of emergency response capability and implementation of major reforms
The Commission has commenced audits of: (a) the emergency response capability of the Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services for biosecurity emergencies and natural disasters that impact on agriculture and animal welfare; and (b) the implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2017 by Local Land Services, focusing on whether its advice is accurate, consistent and timely. The Minister for Primary Industries requested the Commission to conduct these audits in response to the Commission’s 2017-2018 proposed risk-based audit plan for Local Land Services. Read more |
| 9 Mar | Commenced evaluation of Environmental Trust's Linking Landscapes project
The NSW Environmental Trust has engaged the Commission to evaluate the Linking Landscapes project. The Commission will evaluate the extent to which the project was appropriate, cost-effective and efficient in achieving specified objectives. Read more |
| 7 Feb | Extension to water sharing plan submissions
The Commission extended the date for providing submissions to inform its reviews of the Water Sharing Plan for the Bellinger River Area Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2008, and the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Sources 2008. The submissions closed at 5:00pm on 28 February 2018. Read more |
2017 News
| 30 Nov | Dr John Keniry to head the Natural Resources Commission
The Premier of NSW today announced the appointment of Dr John Keniry as the Natural Resources Commissioner. He brings a wealth of experience to this important role. Dr Keniry previously served as the Commissioner of the Natural Resources Commission from December 2012 to December 2016. Alongside his time at the Commission, Dr Keniry has spent 20 years as a board member of the NSW Environment Protection Authority and six years as a member of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council. The Premier also acknowledged the outstanding leadership and contribution of Mr Brian Gilligan, who acted as a Commissioner since December 2016. |
| 13 Oct | Commenced evaluation of Catchment Action NSW
The Commission has commenced an end-of-program evaluation of Catchment Action NSW. This evaluation will provide assurance around Local Land Services’ delivery of the Catchment Action NSW funding, provided by the Office of Environment and Heritage. |
| 10 Oct | Completed evaluation of Environmental Trust's program
The Commission provided its final report on the evaluation of the Environmental Trust’s Restoration and Rehabilitation Program. This program represents approximately 40 percent of the Trust’s total contestable grants funding. The program has been funding projects for local priorities for over 25 years, and has funded over 1000 projects worth approximately $70 million. |
| 20 Nov | Have your say on the water sharing plan reviews
The Commission invites submissions to inform its reviews of the Water Sharing Plan for the Bellinger River Area Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2008, and the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Great Artisan Basin Groundwater Source 2008. Submissions close at 5:00pm on 16 February 2018. |
| 16 Oct | Commenced reviews of water sharing plans
The Commission has commenced review of the Water Sharing Plan for the NSW Border Rivers Regulated River Water Source 2009. The review of two other water sharing plans will follow. The Commission’s review will advise the Minister on the extent these plans have contributed towards the achievement of the State priorities for Local Land Services, and whether changes to plan provisions are warranted. |
| 1 Jun | Government response to the Commission's review of pest animal management
The NSW Government has responded to the Commission's Final Report - Shared problem, Shared solutions - on the review of pest animal management in NSW. The final report was prepared in response to a Terms of Reference from Government requesting a state-wide review of pest animal management. |
| 13 Apr | Call for submissions for water sharing plan reviews
The Commission is reviewing the Water Sharing Plan for the Border Rivers Regulated River Water Source. This review is occurring in parallel with DPI Water's water resource development plan process. DPI Water and the Commission are jointly calling for submissions to inform their respective processes. Submissions can be provided until Friday, 26 May 2017. |
| 14 Mar | A systematic review of ground-based shooting for pest animal control
As part of the Commission's three year evaluation of the supplementary pest control trial, the Commission engaged the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre to conduct a review of ground-based shooting as a pest animal control technique. The review revealed that ground shooting can make important contributions to the management of pests but shooting alone is often insufficient or prohibitively inefficient to achieve desired outcomes. |
| 8 Mar | Final report on supplementary pest control trial submitted to Government
On 27 February 2017, the Commission submitted its final report on the supplementary pest control trial to the Premier of NSW, and the Minister for the Environment, Local Government and Heritage. After receiving a response from the Government, the Commission will make the report publicly available on this website. The Commission thanks all those who participated in the review, and provided valuable feedback and insights that informed final recommendations. |
| 7 Mar | Advice on review of Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval
The Premier asked the Commission to review outstanding settings for the proposed new Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA), and provide in-confidence advice on the extent to which the proposed IFOA settings would, or would not, deliver the Government’s commitments. The Commission has provided its advice to Government. |
| 7 Mar | Advice on review of Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval
The Premier asked the Commission to review outstanding settings for the proposed new Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA), and provide in-confidence advice on the extent to which the proposed IFOA settings would, or would not, deliver the Government’s commitments. The Commission has provided its advice to Government. |
| 14 Feb | Landcare baseline study
The Commission released its Landcare baseline study final report today. The report provides a breakdown of Local Land Services’ expenditure on Landcare and community groups in the 2014-15 financial year. It also provides a baseline for Local Land Services’ funding of these groups prior to the start of the Local Landcare Coordinators’ Initiative. |
2016 News
| 20 Dec | Audits of Local Land Services' governance and communications
The Commission released its audit reports on Local Land Services’ governance and communications today. The reports provide the results and recommendations from each audit. The release of reports coincides with the NSW Government’s response to the Commission’s audit recommendations. The NSW Government supports all of the Commission’s recommendations. |
| 23 Nov | Cost of pest animals in NSW
As part of the Commission's 2016 Pest Animal Review, the Commission engaged Dr Ross McLeod to update the two most recent and comprehensive national studies into the economic costs of pest animals which were conducted by McLeod (2004) and Gong et al. (2009). This updated work revealed that the impacts from rabbits, wild dogs, pigs, introduced birds, foxes, carp and feral goats cost the NSW economy at least $170 million per annum. |
| 9 Dec | Brian Gilligan appointed to the Commission
Brian Gilligan has been appointed as Acting Commissioner to the Natural Resources Commission. He has 40 years’ experience in education and environment protection in the public sector, including serving as the Director General of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service after a period as Executive Director Operations with the Environment Protection Authority. |
| 7 Nov | Commission asked to review Coastal IFOA
The Premier has asked the Commission to review outstanding settings for the proposed new Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval, and provide in-confidence advice on the extent to which the proposed IFOA settings would, or would not, deliver the Government’s commitments. |
| 16 Aug | Final report on pest animal management submitted to Government
The Commission submitted the final report on the state-wide review of pest animal management, Shared Problem, Shared Solutions, to the Premier of NSW on 5 August 2016. Once the NSW Government has provided its response, the final report will be made publicly available on the Commission’s website. The Commission thanks all those who participated in the review, providing valuable feedback and insights that informed the final recommendations.> |
| 29 Jul | Establishing baseline of Local Land Services’ expenditure on Landcare
The Commission is conducting a baseline study to determine Local Land Services’ expenditure on Landcare and community groups in 2014-15. This study forms part of the monitoring and evaluation component of the Local Landcare Coordinators’ Initiative. |
| 13 Jul | Government supports Commission’s advice to replace seven water sharing plans
The Commission received feedback from the Minister for Lands and Water supporting the recommendation to replace seven water sharing plans approaching expiry. The Commission submitted its review report to Government in April 2016. |
| 24 Jun | Over 400 submissions received on pest animal review
The Commission received over 400 submissions on the draft report which are now available on the pest animal review page. The Commission is now considering the submissions and finalising its report. |
| 20 Jun | Audits of Local Land Services
The Commission has completed its audits of governance and communications of Local Land Services and submitted its final reports to Government. |
| 20 Jun | Review of seven water sharing plans submitted to Government
The Commission has submitted to Government its report on the review of six inland alluvial aquifer plans and one coastal water sharing plan. |
| 11 Jun | Review of Catchment Action NSW funding to Local Land Services
The Office of Environment and Heritage appointed the Commission to carry out a mid-term review of Local Land Services’ delivery of Catchment Action NSW funding in 2014-15. The Commission has now finalised its report. |
| 19 May | Submissions for the pest animal review now close on 30 May
The Commission will be receiving late submissions on the draft report until 30 May 2016. In particular, the Commission seeks feedback on your reasons for support or non-support of the draft recommendations. If you are unable to provide submission, using our online submissions form, you can provide submission via email, fax or mail. |
| 27 Apr | Progress with audits of Local Land Services performance
In June 2015, the Minister endorsed the Commission’s two-year audit plan for Local Land Services, and requested the Commission complete two priority audits of governance and communications. The Commission has completed its audit of Local Land Services' governance in October 2015 and submitted the final audit report to the Minister. The communications audit is due for completion in May 2016. |
| 21 Apr | RSVP to a public meeting on pest animal review
Join the Commission at a public meeting to have your say on the draft report on pest animal management in NSW – Shared Problem, Shared Solutions. Meetings will be held from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Grafton (27 April), Tamworth (29 April), Nowra (3 May), Orange (6 May), Deniliquin (11 May), Sydney (13 May) and Bourke (17 May). You can RSVP here. |
| 4 Apr | Early positive results from trialling volunteer pest control in national parks
The Commission has released an interim report to evaluate the supplementary pest control trial program. The report finds that the trial program is building significant positive relationships among volunteers, neighbours, Aboriginal groups, and National Parks and Wildlife Service staff. |
| 31 Mar | Pest animal draft report calls for major reform
The Commission has released a draft report; Shared Problem, Shared Solutions, following an extensive consultation with landholders and relevant community, industry, and environment groups. The draft report is in response to a request from the Premier of NSW to undertake an independent, state-wide review of pest animal management in NSW. |
| 27 Jan | Consultation for review of water sharing plans completed - report coming soon
The Commission has completed consultation for the review of six inland alluvial aquifer plans and one coastal water sharing plan. The Commission is now reviewing the submissions to inform its advice to the Minister. |
| 19 Jan | Review of the Natural Resources Commission Act
The Department of Premier and Cabinet is currently reviewing the Natural Resources Commission Act 2003. The Department has prepared an issues paper for public consideration and comment. Submissions closed on 15 February 2016. |
2015 News
| 15 Oct | Issues paper on review of pest animal management The Natural Resources Commission has released an issues paper exploring opportunities for reform of pest animal management in NSW. In September 2015, the Premier of NSW asked the Commission to review the management of pest animals in NSW across all tenures for environmental, economic and social benefits. The review will identify opportunities for improving arrangements for pest animal management in NSW. |
| 02 Sep | Minister announces Local Landcare Coordinators Initiative NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Lands and Water Niall Blair has today announced details of the $15 million NSW Local Landcare Coordinators Initiative, which will unlock the full potential of Landcare volunteers across the state. |
| 02 Sep | Evaluation of Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project The Natural Resources Commission and the Office of Water are reviewing seven water sharing plans in 2015. The Commission’s review will inform the Minister on the extent of water sharing plans’ contribution to the state priorities for Local Land Services that relate to natural resource management (as defined in the Local Land Services Act 2013), and whether changes to water sharing plan provisions are warranted. |
| 20 Aug | Review of water sharing plans The Natural Resources Commission provided advice to the Environmental Trust in December 2014 in the form of two reports, an evaluation of Stages 1 and 2 of the Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project, and a report with advice for investment priorities for a possible third stage of the Project. The Trust has considered the Commission’s advice and has accepted or partially accepted all of the recommendations. |
| 15 Jun | Conducting performance audits of Local Land Services The Minister has endorsed the Natural Resources Commission’s two-year audit plan for Local Land Services, and requested the Commission complete two priority audits of governance and communications. The Commission has commenced its governance audit of Local Land Services. |
| 03 Mar | Introducing audits of Local Land Services performance The Natural Resources Commission released a brochure introducing its independent audits of Local Land Services performance. The Commission's audits provide assurance for decision-makers and add value to the Local Land Services business. During March and April 2015, the Commission will be consulting with Local Land Services, investors and stakeholders. Their feedback will be used to inform the audit plan for the next two years. |
2014 News
| 12 Dec | Advice on funding allocation to Local Land Services The Natural Resources Commission has advised Local Land Services on the allocation of Catchment Action NSW funds between Local Land Services regions for 2015-16 and 2016-17. Catchment Action NSW is the NSW Government’s regionally-delivered project funding to address state natural resource management priorities. |
| 13 Nov | Annual Report 2013-14 tabled in Parliament On 12 November 2014, the Natural Resources Commission's Annual Report 2013-14 was tabled in the Parliament. |
| 10 Nov | Draft Performance Standard for Local Land Services In November 2014, the Natural Resources Commission released the final draft of the Performance Standard for Local Land Services. Before that in September 2014, the Commission released the Draft Standard (Version 0.3). Comments on the Draft Standard were received until 10 October 2014. The Commission considered all comments in finalising the Standard. |
| 7 Oct | Evaluation framework for supplementary pest control In August 2014, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) released an overview of the evaluation framework as a part of its role to evaluate the supplementary pest control trial program. The overview document provides the scope and objectives of the evaluation, how the evaluation will be conducted, and the evaluation milestones and deliverables. |
| 23 Jun | Final report on review of weed management In May 2014, the Natural Resources Commission submitted a final report to the Minister for Primary Industries detailing recommendations and findings for its review of weed management in NSW. The NSW Government has formally responded to the recommendations and details are available on the Department of Primary Industries website. |
| 16 Jun | Draft report on management of cypress forests in Brigalow and Nandewar The Natural Resources Commission submitted a draft report (including a supporting profile and map book) to Government that outlines findings and recommendations of its review of cypress management in the Brigalow and Nandewar State Conservation Areas. |
| 15 Apr | Brochure on healthy resilient landscapes The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) released a brochure Healthy Resilient Landscapes that explains natural resource management and the role of the NRC. |
| 17 Feb | Draft report on review of weed management The Natural Resources Commission released a draft report that outlines findings and recommendations for its review of weed management in NSW. |
2013 News
| 15 Nov | Review of cypress management in the Brigalow and Nandewar State Conservation Areas The Natural Resources Commission released a paper providing working definition of key concepts in the Terms of Reference for this review. |
| 25 Oct | Issues paper on the review of weed management in NSW The Natural Resources Commission has released an issues paper to clarify priority issues, seek stakeholder and community views about barriers and opportunities, and identify relevant evidence to inform the review. |
| 18 Oct | Advice on allocation of Catchment Action NSW funding to Local Land Services The Natural Resources Commission has provided its report in September 2013, recommending that the Minister adopt the NRC’s recommended funding profile for the pool of $56 million of Catchment Action NSW funding to Local Land Services for 2014-16. |
| 01 Oct | Supplementary pest control Environment Minister Robyn Parker has announced a three year scientific trial using skilled volunteers to boost pest animal control efforts in 12 national parks and reserves in western NSW. The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is working with the Office of Environment and Heritage to develop the monitoring and evaluation program for the trial. The NRC will also independently review the outcomes of the program over the three years to 2016 to determine whether the trial was successful and if it should be expanded across NSW. |
| 27 Sep | Review of 2004 water sharing plans The Natural Resources Commission has reviewed the 2004 water sharing plans and provided final report to the Minister in June 2013. The Minister has now made a decision about the replacement or extension of the 2004 water sharing plans. |
| 30 Aug | Minister announces listing of Yellow Mimosa as a feral native species The Minister for the Environment announced that Yellow Mimosa has been listed as a feral native plant species under native vegetation regulations. This decision is based on the Natural Resources Commission's recommendations. |
| 23 Aug | Catchment action plans assessed and approved The Minister for Primary Industries has accepted the Natural Resources Commission's recommendations and approved the catchment action plans for Murray, Hawkesbury-Nepean, Lachlan, Western, Border Rivers-Gwydir, Hunter-Central Rivers, Northern Rivers, Murrumbidgee and Southern Rivers regions. |
| 16 Aug | Better practice guide for adapting catchment action plans The Natural Resources Commission has prepared a Better Practice Guide to assist CMAs in adapting their catchment action plans to fit Local Land Services boundaries, as the CMAs transition into Local Land Services. |
| 28 Jun | Natural Resource Management Roundtable In June 2013, the Natural Resources Commission held a Natural Resource Management Roundtable to reflect on progress achieved by regional natural resource management over the last 10 years and explore priorities for natural resource management in future. |
| 21 Jun | Review of water sharing plans The Natural Resources Commission provided final advice on the review of 2004 water sharing plans to the Minister. This advice is under consideration by the Minister and will be made public following the Minister’s decision on whether to extend or replace the plans. |
| 14 Jun | Assessment of four upgraded catchment action plans The Natural Resources Commission completed the assessment of Hawkesbury-Nepean, Lachlan, Murray and Western Catchment Action Plans, and recommended to the Minister for Primary Industries that these plans be approved. In addition, we also advised Government on lessons learned from assessing catchment action plans to help Local Land Services develop strategic plans that integrate their functions. |
| 07 Jun | Advice on funding allocation to CMAs In response to a Ministerial request, the Natural Resources Commission has recommended a funding profile for allocating Catchment Action NSW funding to catchment management authorities for 2013-14. |
| 31 May | Advice on listing of Yellow Mimosa as a feral native species In response to a ministerial request, the Natural Resources Commission provided its final report to the Minister for the Environment recommending that Yellow Mimosa be listed as a feral native species in the Border Rivers-Gwydir, Namoi and Central West Catchment Management Authorities regions, as well as across all of NSW. |
| 26 Apr | Assessment of five upgraded catchment action plans The Natural Resources Commission completed the assessment of Border Rivers-Gwydir, Hunter-Central Rivers, Murrumbidgee, Northern Rivers and Southern Rivers Catchment Action Plans, and recommended to the Minister for Primary Industries that these plans be approved. |
2012 News
2011 News
| 12 Dec | New Commissioner for natural resources Dr John Keniry has joined the NRC as its new Commissioner. He was awarded an Order of Australia in 2005 and a Centenary Medal in 2003. He also chairs the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, the Cooperative Research Centres for the Pork and Sheep industries and the Australian Wool Exchange. He is a member of the NSW Environment Protection Authority Board. See Commissioners and Executives profile for more details. |
| 04 Nov | NRC submission to the NSW planning system review The NRC submission focused on the operation of the State Environmental Planning Policy No. 71—Coastal Protection, but also covered other issues relevant to the overall alignment between natural resource management and statutory land use planning. |
| 02 Sep | Updated framework for assessing and recommending upgraded catchment action plans The NRC released a framework for assessing and recommending upgraded catchment action plans v1.1. |
| 31 May | Framework for assessing and recommending upgraded catchment action plans The NRC released a framework for assessing and recommending upgraded catchment action plans. The framework sets expectations so that all 13 catchment management authorities (CMAs) and their partners can upgrade their catchment action plans in a regionally-appropriate way, confident in the framework that will be used for assessment. The framework was developed through a pilot process in which Central West and Namoi CMAs developed draft upgraded catchment action plans for their regions and the NRC conducted a trial assessment of these catchment action plans. |
| 21 Apr | New brochure - Resilient landscapes and communities The NRC released a brochure titled Resilient Landscapes and Communities that explains the role of the Standard, catchment action plans, targets and audits in managing natural resources in NSW. |
| 03 Mar | Advice on proposed amendments to streamline assessment process for clearing native vegetation In February 2011, the NRC provided advice to Government on proposed amendments to Chapter 8 of the Assessment Methodology. Our report provides details of recommendations, our review of proposed amendments and the challenges of consulting on practical amendments. The Minister for Climate Change and the Environment considered the NRC advice and amended the original proposals to address the key concerns raised. |
| 19 Jan | Alignment of water planning and catchment planning The National Water Commission has released a report on alignment of water planning and catchment planning. This report is the final output of the Integration of Water Planning and Catchment Planning (NSW) project—the NRC is on the steering committee of this project. The project sets out principles for aligning water allocation and catchment plans. A framework was developed and then trialled in the Hunter region of NSW. |
2010 News
| 24 Dec | Proposed amendments to streamline assessment process for clearing native vegetation On 22 December 2010, the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment sought independent advice from the NRC by 4 February 2011 on proposed amendments to the Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology (Assessment Methodology). The proposed amendments are intended to streamline the assessment procedure for clearing native vegetation and reduce processing times for Property Vegetation Plans. The proposed amendments consist of a proposed new Chapter 8 in the Assessment Methodology and consequential administrative amendments to the existing Chapter 2. Submissions to the NRC on the proposed amendments are welcome until 22 January 2011. |
| 23 Dec | Audit report - Murray The NRC has released its report on the second audit of the implementation of Murray Catchment Action Plan. |
| 14 Dec | 2010 report on progress towards healthy resilient landscapes A comprehensive review of the pioneering steps taken by NSW in 2003 to reform natural resource management clearly shows the model is delivering results. The review concluded that the NSW model for natural resource management is achieving significant success in supporting private landholders to more sustainably manage their land for their own and everyone else's long term benefit. However, it is too early, given the extent of historical landscape degradation, to see whether these local successes are adding up to a state-wide improvement in the health of NSW water, land, biodiversity and communities. |
| 23 Nov | Review of Catchment Action NSW funding allocation The NRC has provided its final report Review of Catchment Action NSW Funding Allocation to Catchment Management Authorities to the NSW Government. For the past three years Catchment Action NSW investment funds have been allocated using a six-stage decision process, which includes a multi-criteria analysis decision support tool. Through a Terms of Reference, the NSW Government asked the NRC to recommend improvements to this process, and to recommend how the pool of Catchment Action NSW funding is to be allocated between the 13 catchment management authorities in 2011–12 and 2012–13. This report explains the NRC's recommended improvements for the decision-making process. It explains the rationale for and issues involved in making the proposed changes, including the resultant funding profiles if they are implemented. |
| 28 Oct | Report on mid-term review of the Snowy Mountains cloud seeding trial The NRC has provided to the Government its mid-term review of the Snowy Mountains cloud seeding trial covering the period 2004 to 2009. The review was based on Snowy Hydro's 2009 Snowy Precipitation Enhancement Research Project Annual Report. The key findings of the review are that: the trial is being conducted in compliance with the Act; the trial is not having any adverse environmental impacts, including adverse impacts on rainfall in down-wind areas; and there is evidence that cloud seeding has increased snowfall in the target area, under defined weather and operating conditions. |
| 18 Oct | Commissioner speaks at the AEF conference Dr John Williams, Commissioner, spoke at the Australian Environment Foundation's 2010 Annual Conference in Brisbane. His presentation looked at whether policy change can save the environment. In addition, he provided a paper discussing cause and effect of native vegetation in NSW. |
| 09 Aug | Commissioner speaks at the Aapresid Congress in Argentina Dr John Williams, Commissioner, was the keynote speaker at the 18th Aapresid Congress, Rosario, Argentina. Dr Williams talked about agriculture, water and catchment management in Australia and how it relates to Argentina. In addition, he gave a presentation to government officials on hydrology and water scarcity in the Murray Darling Basin. |
| 30 Jun | Commissioner's keynote addresses Dr John Williams, Commissioner, was the keynote speaker at the Urban Salt 2010 Conference, and at the ATSE International Workshop Series. At the Urban Salt 2010 Conference, Dr Williams talked about the challenges in dealing with urban salinity, and at the ATSE Workshop, he addressed water resource trade-offs between bulk users, urban consumption and the environment. |
| 07 Jun | Assessment report - South-western cypress state forests The NRC has provided to the NSW Government its assessment report on sustainable management of the south-western cypress state forests. The report makes 10 recommendations for ongoing management of these forests as part of the broader landscape. |
| 08 Mar | Advice on proposed amendments to Chapter 7 of the Assessment Methodology On 15 February 2010, the NRC provided advice to the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment on proposed amendments to Chapter 7 (Invasive Native Scrub Assessment) of the Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology. The NRC recommended that the Minister adopt all of the proposed amendments with minor changes to clearing types. |
| 28 Feb | Summary of available information and call for submissions on south-western cypress state forests The NRC has released a summary of available information and call for submissions on the south-western cypress state forests. The purpose of this document is to seek submissions from stakeholders on any further information and insights that can contribute to the NRC's assessment. The report also explains how the NRC will assess these forests, and summarises the key issues and information sources currently available to complete the assessment. |
| 25 Feb | Commissioner's presentation Dr John Williams, Commissioner, was the chairperson at the 2nd Annual Water Leaders Congress 2010. In his paper - Can We Secure Our Food Whilst Maintaining Our Environment? - Dr Williams addressed the urgent need to give priority attention to food production whilst maintaining the quality of the resource base from which it is produced. |
2009 News
| 21 Dec | Final assessment report on river red gum forests The NRC has provided to the Government its final assessment report and the recommendations report on the future of red gum forests in the Riverina bioregion. The final assessment report: draws together the best available science and knowledge on the river red gum and woodland forests of the Riverina bioregion; outlines what we know about the values of the forests and their current management; and draws out the key issues to underpin recommendations to the Government on their future management. |
| 11 Dec | Audits of six more catchment action plans With the completion of six audits in November 2009 (Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Namoi, Northern Rivers, Southern Rivers and Sydney Metropolitan CMAs), the NRC has completed audits of all 13 CMAs' implementation of regional Catchment Action Plans. The audit reports are available from the following webpage. |
| 19 Nov | Report on progress towards native vegetation extent and condition target The NRC has reported assessment of progress made towards the native vegetation extent and condition target in NSW. This target is one of the Biodiversity theme targets. The NRC has reported progress in the form of a Snapshot, a Technical Report and a Technical Analysis. |
| 20 Oct | Commissioner opens the Australian National Field Days Dr John Williams opened the 58th Australian National Field Days at Orange. The event aimed to foster innovation in agriculture. Dr Williams spoke on the theme of Changing Agriculture in a Changing Environment. |
| 15 Oct | Commissioner's address at the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand Dr John Williams addressed the gathering at an event hosted by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand. He commended the commitment of environmental professionals and added that it is time that our society realises that unless we give high priority to looking after our natural resource assets – we put at risk the very society itself. |
| 30 Sep | Preliminary assessment report on red gum forests assessment The NRC has assessed the river red gum forests in the Riverina bioregin and released its preliminary assessment report. The information in the report will help interested parties to make submissions to the NRC on how Government can best promote conservation outcomes and a sustainable future for the forest. |
| 07 Sep | Commissioner's lecture at the Hunter Valley Research Foundation "Our natural assets underpin all the things that make our lives possible and enjoyable," said Dr John Williams while delivering his lecture in the Hunter Valley Research Foundation's 14th Annual Lecture Series. He discussed the environmental challenges that will confront the state and strategies put in place to address them. |
| 22 Jun | Advice on proposed amendments to Chapters 2 and 5 of the Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology In May 2009, the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment sought the NRC's advice on proposed amendments to Chapters 2 and 5 of the Assessment Methodology. The NRC consulted with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, reviewed public submissions and considered review reports from independent experts before providing advice to the Minister. |
| 26 May | Progress report on the Snowy Mountains cloud seeding trial The NRC provided a progress report (Apr 09) to Government by evaluating Snowy Hydro's environmental reporting, as contained within its 2007 and 2008 annual reports. The NRC also visited cloud seeding sites in the Snowy Mountains and consulted with Snowy Hydro and a number of affected stakeholders. |
| 24 Apr | Research on NRM models and frameworks The NRC has engaged Dr Rod Griffith (Rod Griffith & Associates) to assist in the compilation and evaluation of alternative natural resource management (NRM) models. This paper is aimed at informing the debate over improvements to catchment management authority (CMA) governance both within the current legislative framework, in relation to the upcoming review of CMA legislation and the mid-term review of the standard, targets and catchment action plans. |
| 22 Apr | Audit report - Border Rivers Gwydir The NRC provided to the Government audit report for the Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority. This reports provide greater understanding of the CMA's performance and guides the CMA Board in continued improvement. |
| 06 Apr | Audit reports - Central West and Lower Murray Darling The NRC provided to the Government audit reports for the Central West Catchment Management Authority and the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority. These reports provide greater understanding of each CMA's performance and guide the CMA Board in continued improvement. |
| 23 Mar | Investment funding allocations to catchment management authorities The NRC provided its advice to the Government on investment funding allocations to Catchment Management Authorities in 2008-09. The report provides a useful illustration of how the six-stage funding allocation process can be applied in practice. |
| 12 Mar | Audit reports - Hunter Central Rivers and Hawkesbury Nepean The NRC provided to the Government audit reports for the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority and the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority. These reports provide greater understanding of each CMA's performance and guide the CMA Board in continued improvement. |
| 04 Mar | Commissioner chairs the Australian Water Association conference Dr John Williams, Commissioner, chaired and presented at the Australian Water Association Conference held at Sydney on 4 March 2009. John discussed the way forward for catchment management, including the impact of climate change. Bryce Wilde, Program Manager, NRC, presented the successes and challenges related to progress of catchment action plans in NSW. |
2008 News
| 02 Dec | Progress report on effective implementation of catchment action plans The NRC provided its progress report to the NSW Government. The report draws largely on our audits of seven of the 13 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs') implementation of Catchment Action Plans. Overall, the report finds that CMAs are delivering clear results on the ground, are working with their communities to better manage the land and building understanding around the once contentious native vegetation reforms. In NSW, all the parts of the regional model are now well established. But of course there is room for improvement, both by CMAs and the other players. |
| 01 Aug | Commissioner addresses the NSW Land for Wildlife Conference Dr John Williams, Commissioner, was the keynote speaker at the NSW Land for Wildlife Conference held at Sydney on 1-2 August 2008. His presentation emphasised the importance of conservation on private land and everyone's role in contributing to the achievement of natural resource management outcomes. |
| 11 Jun | Recommendation - Sydney Metro Catchment Action Plan The NRC has recommended to the Government the Sydney Metro Catchment Management Authority's (CMA's) Catchment Action Plan (CAP) for approval. The NRC's recommendation includes specific actions to be taken by the CMA to improve its capacity to further develop and implement its CAP. It also outlines areas where the CMA will require support from the NSW Government. |
| 04 Apr | Allocating NRM funding between NSW catchment management authorities The Premier of NSW provided a Terms of Reference and the NRC submitted a report 'Allocating NRM funding between NSW Catchment Management Authorities' to the Premier, recommending a six stage process for determining funding allocations. |
| 07 Jan | Expression of Interest for natural resource audits The NRC is seeking Expression of Interest to appoint a partner organisation to assist with a new innovative program of audits of the effectiveness of government investments in natural resource management. Performance auditors, environmental auditors and natural resource auditors may be interested in this appointment. The audit program will commence mid February 2008. |
2007 News
| 18 Dec | Helping everyone in NRM to understand the Standard The NRC has released the document 'An introduction to the Standard for Quality NRM' to help everyone involved in NRM to understand the Standard and its benefits. |
| 28 Nov | NRC releases its 2006-07 Annual Report The NRC forwarded to the Premier its 2006-07 Annual Report for presentation to the NSW Parliament. |
| 07 Nov | Commissioner addresses NSW Coastal Conference Dr John Williams, Commissioner, gave a presentation during his plenary address at the 16th NSW Coastal Conference 2007 at Yamba. His paper 'Challenges for integrated natural resource management in coastal NSW' was well received by the delegates. |
| 25 Oct | Commissioner gives keynote address at State Landcare Forum Dr John Williams, Commissioner, was the keynote speaker at the Namoi Landcare Management and State Landcare Forum 2007 at Tamworth. His paper 'Future landscapes - moving forward together' formed part of the Forum proceedings. |
| 22 Oct | Draft framework for auditing the implementation of catchment action plans The NRC is seeking submissions on its Draft Framework for Auditing the Implementation of Catchment Action Plans by Friday 30 November 2007. One of the NRC's specific functions under the Natural Resources Commission Act 2003 is to audit the effectiveness of the implementation of catchment action plans in achieving compliance with the Standard for Quality Natural Resource Management and the state-wide targets, adopted by the Government in November 2005. The draft audit framework explains how the NRC will conduct audits to provide confidence and promote improvement. |
| 01 Aug | Scientific review - Lower Lachlan Groundwater Sharing Plan The NRC submitted its report to the Premier on scientific review of Lower Lachlan Groundwater Sharing Plan. The Government has considered the NRC's advice and amendments to the Lower Lachlan Groundwater Sharing Plan are currently on public exhibition. |
| 16 Jul | Lower Murray Darling Catchment Action Plan The NRC provided advice to the Government recommending the approval of the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Action Plan. |
| 26 Jun | Progress report on the Snowy Mountains cloud seeding trial The NRC provided a progress report on the Snowy Mountains cloud seeding trial to the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water and the Minister for Planning. The NRC provided its recommendations after visiting cloud seeding sites, consulting with Snowy Hydro and a number of affected stakeholders, and evaluating Snowy Hydro's environmental reporting in its 2005 and 2006 annual reports. |
| 15 Jun | MER: Comparative review of institutional models The purpose of this review was to gain insight for parties involved in implementing monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) system for natural resource management (NRM) in NSW. The report, MER: A comparative review of three institutional models, presents a comparative assessment of three institutional models in order to assess why MER is effective in other jurisdictions and industries. |
| 14 Jun | Landscape approach to vegetation management The NRC has completed a review of landscape vegetation plans and submitted its final report, A landscape approach to vegetation management, to the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water.The NRC believes its recommended landscape approach to vegetation management will ensure the Government is in a better position to meet its state-wide targets for natural resource management. |
| 23 Apr | Master planning under SEPP 71 - Periodic progress report The NRC provided a periodic progress report to the Minister for Planning, summarising its recommendations on SEPP 71 matters since November 2006. |
| 15 Jan | Advice on revised general amendments to EOAM The NRC provided advice to the Minister for Natural Resources on proposed general amendments to the Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology (EOAM). |
2006 News
| 14 Dec | Recommendations on three catchment action plans The NRC reviewed Catchment Action Plans (CAPs) of the Hawkesbury Nepean, Murray and Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) and provided individual recommendations to the Government on whether they should be approved. Now the NRC has provided advice on 11 of the 13 CMAs' CAPs. |
| 28 Nov | Review of revised general amendments to EOAM The Minister for Natural Resources has withdrawn the previously proposed general amendments to the EOAM, and provided the NRC with revised general amendments for its review and advice. |
| 15 Nov | Advice on Water Sharing Plan for the Lower Lachlan Groundwater Resource The NRC provided advice to the Premier after reviewing the scientific basis of aspects of the Water Sharing Plan for the Lower Lachlan Groundwater Resource prior to the plan's commencement. The Terms of Reference were received in October. |
| 02 Nov | Review of Soil Assessment chapter and general amendments to EOAM The Minister for Natural Resources has asked the NRC to review and provide advice on the Soil Assessment chapter and some general amendments to the EOAM. These amendments are proposed by the Department of Natural Resources. |
| 26 Oct | Advice on invasive native scrub The NRC provided advice to the Ministers for Natural Resources and the Environment on proposed changes to the Invasive Native Scrub chapter of the EOAM. |
| 27 Sep | Recommendations on eight catchment action plans The NRC reviewed eight of the 13 CMAs' CAPs and provided individual recommendations to the Government on whether they should be approved. The NRC has also reviewed drafts of the remaining three CAPs while one CAP is yet to be submitted to the NRC. |
| 27 Sep | Consolidated report on progress of catchment action plans The NRC provided a consolidated report to the Government on the progress of catchment action plans - their place in current and future NRM in NSW. This report explains the 'big picture' context in which the CAPs were prepared, and provides an overview of the NRC's assessment of them, the key areas for improvement, and the assistance required from government agencies. |
| 10 Aug | Review of recommended changes on Invasive Native Scrub The Minister for Natural Resources asked the NRC to advise him and the Minister for the Environment on the suitability of recommendations made in a report produced by the INS Review Group. Recommendations include proposed changes to the Invasive Native Scrub chapter of the EOAM. |
| 22 May | Review of Snowy Hydro's cloud seeding trial The Minister for the Environment asked the NRC to review the Snowy Hydro's Snowy Precipitation Enhancement Research Project Annual Report 2004 and provide advice on progress of the trial, its environmental impacts to date, and the validity of its environmental monitoring elements. |
| 28 Feb | Extension of due date for submissions to the issues paper for landscape or multi-farm vegetation plans The NRC amended its process for the landscape vegetation plan review. This change allows the due date for submissions on the issues paper to be extended to 17 March 2006. The NRC will next release a draft report on the review, planned for early April 2006 (it will no longer be releasing an options paper). |
| 21 Feb | Government adopts the Standard and state-wide targets In February 2006, the NSW Government adopted the remaining state-wide targets for natural resource management. The Government has previously adopted the Standard for Quality Natural Resource Management and a core set of state-wide targets in May 2005. |
2005 News
| 01 Dec | NRC's new role under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 The Native Vegetation Act 2003 commenced on 1 December and the NRC is now required to provide formal advice to the Minister for Natural Resources about any proposed changes to the Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology. For matters related to biodiversity, it will provide advice to the Minister for the Environment. In addition, the NRC may propose changes to the Assessment Methodology. |
| 30 Nov | Systems reviews of all 13 CMAs completed The NRC completed systems reviews of all 13 CMAs and is now assisting them as they prepare action plans to address the key findings from their systems reviews. The NRC is also preparing to review draft CAPs so that it can provide advice to the Government on whether they should be approved. |
| 21 Nov | Advice on Snowy Hydro's cloud seeding trial The NRC reviewed the Snowy Hydro's Snowy Precipitation Enhancement Research Project Annual Report 2004 and provided advice to the Government on progress of the trial, its environmental impacts to date, and the validity of its environmental monitoring elements. |
| 14 Nov | NRC to conduct a review of landscape scale vegetation plans The Government asked the NRC to provide advice on the potential for Landscape Vegetation Plans to produce better economic as well as environmental outcomes than single-farm, or property vegetation plans, and to develop an approach for assessing landscape scale vegetation management plans that may be submitted by multiple landholders under the Native Vegetation Act 2003. |
| 15 Oct | Systems reviews of all CMAs started The NRC started systems reviews of CMAs to assess the extent to which CMAs systems are consistent with the recommended Standard. These reviews will also inform the NRC's review of CMAs' CAPs and recommendations to the Government on whether the CAPs should be approved. |
| 09 Sep | Self-help audit tools for CMAs To help CMAs understand and prepare for systems reviews, the NRC has developed a suite of self-help tools which are now available to CMAs. |
| 09 Sep | Guide to Using the Standard The NRC prepared a Guide to using the Standard to assist CMAs in applying the Standard and gaining maximum benefit from it. The Guide contains a range of information including case studies and reference material. |
| 05 Sep | Final recommendations to Government on Standard and targets In response to the NRC's May 2005 report, the Government asked the NRC to refine some of the state-wide targets and to recommend appropriate arrangements for monitoring and evaluating progress towards the targets. The NRC has completed these tasks and consolidated this additional work with its previous recommendations in a final report which it provided to the Government in early September. |
