Regional NRM planning a key to renewable energy transition success

NRM Regions Australia CEO Dr Kate Andrews says the renewables and nature report released this week points to a role for regional natural resource management (NRM) organisations and regional NRM planning to inform the energy transition for better outcomes for Australia’s regions. 

“The ‘Our renewable future: a plan for people and nature’ report by ACF with WWF says that data and information on the local environment is critical to ensure that renewable energy developments are planned to avoid impacts and to deliver long-lasting benefits for people and the environment. Regional NRM organisations and their regional plans can help achieve this,” Dr Andrews said.  

“Regional NRMs cover every part of the country and work with everyone. Our plans are place-based – they can tell you about important ecosystems and species, the productive agricultural industries, and describe the key production and environmental objectives for the region. Our organisations and their plans are informed by local communities, so they include community aspirations – for people, for the local economy and for nature. They are supported by robust mapping and data.”

Dr Andrews said regional NRM organisations can play a bigger role in an energy transition that supports local communities and nature.

“Regional NRMs are already involved in the transition. For example NRM Regions Queensland is working with Powerlink to involve the NRM sector in strategic planning for new infrastructure and to ensure delivery of quality offsets for any unavoidable losses. AGL has a number of wind farms in western Victoria, and has invested in a Glenelg-Hopkins CMA project to purchase and restore wetland areas to preserve habitat for brolgas and other water birds.” Dr Andrews said.

NRM Regions Australia is seeking investment of $27 million from an incoming government to regional NRM organisations to support a nature and community positive renewable energy transition. 

“Increasing the capacity of regional NRMs to inform the energy transition just makes sense.”

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 the renewable energy transition below:

• Partnering to minimise development impacts and leverage offset investments   A Strategic Relationship Agreement, NRM Regions Queensland
• Collaboration enables purchase of key wetland area, Reconnecting the Wannon Floodplain  Glenelg-Hopkins CMA, Victoria

Image: Wind farm near Tarago, NSW – Rachel Clarke