This recording was of the workshop hosted by NRM Regions Australia and facilitated by DAFF on the National Soil Action Plan.
Australia’s regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations form a trusted, nationally connected network that supports soil health across diverse landscapes and communities.
A national survey and consultation with all 53 NRM regions, led by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), highlighted the central role regional NRM organisations play in locally tailored soil planning and delivery. The work also showed how regions collaborate to expand soil skills, extension services, data collection, and capability building, all contributing to the National Soil Action Plan.
The findings show strong regional commitment and several emerging trends. These include growing demand for independent soil extension, increased participation in national soil monitoring programs, and rising interest in mentoring and training to build soil science capability.
The consultations also identified clear opportunities. These include improving consistency in soil data standards, strengthening partnerships with soil advisors and researchers, expanding workforce pathways, and developing tools that better present and translate soil information to support land management decisions.
Together, these activities position the NRM network to improve soil condition, strengthen climate resilience and deliver long‑term environmental, sustainable and productive outcomes.
This forum presented key findings and themes from the consultations and then explored future opportunities through three concurrent workshops; (i) collaboration and sharing, (ii) skills and capability development, and (iii) data use and decision making.
