As floodwaters recede across western Queensland and flow south into South Australia, we see the importance of emergency preparedness and planning for communities, agriculture and the environment. NRM Regions Australia CEO Dr Kate Andrews highlights the role of planning undertaken by natural resource management organisations across Australia, funded by the Australian Government and the work of regional NRM organisations with their many partners during the recent emergencies.
“Regional NRM organisations across Queensland and NSW played a key role in preparing for and responding to the flooding emergencies we have seen in 2025.”
“In western Queensland, our NRM bodies in flood-affected areas – including Southern Queensland Landscapes and Desert Channels Qld- are working with farmers to provide free mapping to assess flood damage and planning their recovery actions, guided by their Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans.” Dr Andrews said
“Following Cyclone Alfred in March, Healthy Land and Water in SE Qld collected storm damage photos from their communities to help shape flood recovery assistance and investment – as they did in 2022. In northern NSW, North Coast Local Land Services were active leading up to and following the cyclone, providing advice to landholders on how to protect their livestock and farm assets before the floods, and herd and flock health as floodwaters recede. ”
In 2024 all 54 regional NRM organisations across the country were funded by the Australian Government to develop Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans. The plans define the most important natural capital and agricultural assets in each NRM region as well as identifying the increasing risks to those assets presented by extreme events.
Dr Andrews said the investment couldn’t have come sooner.
“Having these plans in place is so important. They have already been used to prepare for, and now respond to, these floods. They will guide recovery actions to make sure funding is prioritised to contribute to protecting and restoring the most critical natural and agricultural assets,” she said.
However, Dr Andrews has said that much more funding is needed.
“Now we need investment to deliver the plans – current budgets will not pay for the protection and recovery of our natural environment and agricultural assets as we face more extreme weather events, more often.”
NRM Regions Australia is calling for increased funding of $18.9 million per year over the next five years to enable regional NRM organisations to scale-up their processes for protection, adaptation and recovery of biodiversity, natural capital and agricultural assets in extreme weather events.
“It is clear that natural disasters are increasing. Regional communities are relying on support to respond accordingly.” Dr Andrews said.
This year marks 25 years of implementation of Australia’s unique regional NRM model – the only country-wide integrated natural resource management model in the world.
For interviews with NRM Regions Australia CEO Dr Kate Andrews, contact Rachel Clarke Strategic Communications, [email protected] or 0422 223 930
NRM Regions Australia is the national peak body of Australia’s 54 regional NRM organisations that cover the continent. Our members work with land managers, Indigenous organisations, communities, governments and industries to manage our land, water, coast, plants and animals. With partners we work to restore and sustain Australia’s biodiversity and productive landscapes.
Read more about what regional NRM organisations are doing to support nature and people in emergency and disaster planning and response below:
Banner Image: Jundah, Queensland surrounded by floodwater March 2025 – Desert Channels Queensland, supplied by PBE Services
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