Implementation

Implementation and progress of the targets in this plan will be monitored and evaluated regularly as part of an adaptive management process (i.e. planning, acting, reviewing, replanning and adapting and then acting again).

Caring for Our Country

In March 2008, the Australian Government announced the Caring for our Country program. It commenced on 1 July 2008 and will integrate delivery of the Commonwealth’s existing natural resource management programs – the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program, and the Working on Country Indigenous Land and Environmental Program.

Caring for our Country will address six national priorities:

  • a national reserve system
  • biodiversity and natural icons
  • coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats
  • sustainable farm practices
  • natural resource management in remote and northern Australia and
  • community skills, knowledge and engagement.

The ACT is well positioned to work with the Australian Government in delivering Caring for our Country as the targets in this plan align with these priority areas.

The ACT Natural Resource Management Council (Council) is working with the ACT Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainability to align reporting on progress with targets with ACT State of the Environment reporting. Currently these reports are required once within the four-year fixed-term of each Assembly. Other specific asset-related monitoring and reporting activities will also inform progress against targets.

This plan will be reviewed every fi ve years; investments will be reviewed annually.

This plan provides targets for investment. This investment can be from any source, although the ACT and Australian governments are likely to be the major investors. Other investors include community-based organisations, business, industry, academic and research organisations, and members of the general public. All contributions are valued and are necessary to ensure that the targets are met.

Related strategies include the:

  • Natural Resource Management Investment Strategy
  • Communications Strategy
  • Capacity Building Strategy and
  • Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy.