Planning process

This plan is the outcome of an extensive planning and consultation process:

  • a survey was conducted on progress achieved since the 2004 natural resource management plan (Bessen Consulting Services 2006)
  • two community forums were held to determine general concerns and directions
  • target area groups consisting of community members and experts in the field met at regular workshops to identify resources, threats, opportunities for change, management priorities, targets, and investment and implementation opportunities
  • the Natural Resource Management Council met on a regular basis to review progress and assess needs.

People and organisations involved in formulating this plan include ACT government agencies, local government and regional bodies in neighbouring NSW, community organisations and individuals, environmental and catchment groups, industry, landholders, Indigenous people and the academic and scientific community.

The planning process used a logical approach (known as program logic) in determining the vision, targets and actions to be contained in the plan.

State of Environment reporting

This plan uses the ACT State of Environment reporting process to inform baseline information for target areas (as at June 2007).

Program logic approach

A program logic model is a systematic, visual way to develop and present a planned program with its underlying assumptions and theoretical framework. It uses logical steps to ensure that all actions undertaken in addressing targets for natural resource management investment are actually contributing.

A program logic approach starts with formulating a longer-term vision – say over 30 years – of how we would like natural resource assets to look. In order to achieve this vision, we devise a range of projects and activities that we judge will make a difference in the medium term – seven years. At the same time we set short-term milestones – five years – to indicate whether we are on the right track. At these milestones, we evaluate actions to ensure that we learn by doing, and additionally that we take advantage of advances in related science and reflect changes in community attitudes.