A message for the future

The sustainable use of our nation’s natural resources underpins maintaining the quality of life for current and future generations. As with national security, we face very real threats to our lifestyle and well-being.

These threats include the ravages of introduced pest species (weeds, feral animals and micro-organisms), salinity, soil erosion, inappropriate fire regimes, unsustainable agricultural production, over harvesting of marine species, over clearance of native vegetation, contamination of waterways and air pollution. Unless we take action, the further loss of biodiversity, the variety of all living things, together with human induced global warming and climate change will impoverish us.

The Rangeland’s unique and inspirational natural and cultural heritage, landscape and diversity of its people are worth celebrating, and we are responding to ensure these values are protected and enhanced.

Our regional Group is so much about bringing together expertise, experience, working knowledge and local commitment from across the Rangelands to ensure that a more strategic approach is developed that sets in motion effective and efficient ways to meet the challenge of sustaining our natural resources.

So much of what we must do requires common purpose, collective effort, strong partnerships and open-ness to pursuing innovative solutions. Critically, it must be on-going commitment to positive action that becomes the mission.

Our Group has already formed many strong partnerships and we have a highly professional team of facilitators, staff and representatives to support and assist communities with active participation in natural resource management.

We look forward to working with all stakeholders, landholders and communities of the Rangelands to achieving more sustainable use of our land, bush, rivers, coasts and marine environments for social, economic and environmental well being.

Bill Mitchell
Chair, Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group