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Local Government's Role in NRM

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Background on Local Government and NRM

All local governments in NSW, irrespective of their size or location, make a significant contribution to the management and protection of our natural resources.

As the sphere of government closest to the community, Local Government is responsible for good governance and the care and protection of local communities within a framework of sustainable development.

As managers of public land and land use planners, Local Government is responsible for policy development and implementation of land use planning as well as regulating a wide range of activities that may impact upon natural resource management (Binning et al., 1999). Local Government also has a key role to play in translating the policies of Commonwealth and state governments into on-ground projects.

Local Government has a range of functions, powers and responsibilities at its disposal to influence natural resource management - on both private and public land. These include:

strategic planning through land use zoning and statutory controls on all freehold land and locally managed public open space
development control of nearly all activities and works on freehold land and crown land (except national parks and state forests) through development consent powers
enforcement powers for development consent conditions, waste management and unauthorised land uses (e.g. land clearing, drainage, and filling)
administrative responsibility for state agency coordination through integrated planning, licensing and development concurrence
stormwater management and control, sewerage and drainage works and flood control
pest, plant and animal risk control measures
influence over land clearance patterns through incentive programs (planning amendments, rate differentials, levies, rural fire management and developer contributions)
management of local open space to restore remnant vegetation and recreate habitat
primary advocate for and coordinator of local community groups and interests

NRM Policy Commitments

The LGSA, in collaboration with the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and all other state Associations, is developing a national policy position which will articulate Local Government's position on natural resource management (NRM) and assist in national level negotiations on future NRM programs and activities. To assist ALGA to advocate a Local Government perspective in the negotiations on the future delivery of NRM at a national level, a national policy paper is being developed for endorsement by all Associations. To increase Local Government involvement in any new arrangements for the delivery of NRM, the following issues need to be considered:

Acknowledgement and recognition of the work already undertaken by Local Government;
Remove any political or practical barriers and impediments to greater Local Government participation in policy development and implementation, and
Encourage and support greater partnerships between Local Government and regional bodies, respective state and territory governments and the Australian Government in the future.

The first step in the process involves identifying and endorsing policy commitments which strengthen Local Government's capacity to negotiate effective partnerships in future national NRM arrangements.

All state associations and the ALGA General Assembly have now endorsed the following policy commitments:

Local government is committed to achieving sustainable NRM outcomes.
Local government is committed to regional approaches to natural resource management.
Local government is committed to using its planning processes and powers to deliver local priorities and assist the achievement of regional outcomes.
Local government is committed to considering natural resource management (NRM) priorities and community expectations in making decisions about resource allocation, recognising a need for long term resource investment from multiple stakeholders.

Case Studies

To highlight achievements by councils around NSW, we are collecting and showcasing examples of policies, proceedures, activities and operations of councils across the broad range of NRM issues. We are not ranking, prioritising or endorsing any of the case studies, but rather, making them available for other councils as a potential source of information and learning. In time, this collection of case studies may be developed into an online library of information, tools and resources for the benefit of Local Government around NSW.

To submit an example of a NRM policy or project for inclusion on this website, please contact Geoff Hudson, Senior Policy Officer NRM on 9242 4095 or via email geoff.hudson@lgsa.org.au

Below are examples of council resources or policies relating to improved Natural Resource Management:

Case Studies

Part 5 Environmental Impact Assessment

Wyong Shire Council