The ACT NRM Council met for its 21^st meeting on Tuesday, 6 October 2009.

Council discussed mechanisms for increasing investment in natural resource management in the Territory and committed to further exploring mechanisms appropriate for the ACT including philanthropic options and strategies to attract corporate investment partnerships.

The Terms of Reference for the Council were considered and updated to reflect the changing funding environment and changing priorities of both Commonwealth and ACT Governments. The Terms of Reference will be further refined prior to consideration by Minister Corbell.

Commitment was made by Council to initiate discussions with relevant ACT Government agency heads to explore sub-catchment planning and management with the view to raising the prospect of a trial exercise in resource management regardless of land tenure.

Council discussed and supported the concept of a proposal to engage landholders and government in a partnership project focused on the re-vitalisation of the Majura Valley.

Further to Councils’ inaugural Researcher’s Roundtable in July 2009 and ongoing discussions with key stakeholders, development of Council’s Knowledge Strategy for NRM in the ACT is continuing. An NRM Researcher and Users Conference is planned for February 2010.

Council noted that applicants for the 2009-2010 Environment Grants have received notice in writing about their success or otherwise of their bids, and grant deeds are being prepared.

Council noted the success of the ACT Landcare Awards held on 10 September 2009. Council was awarded the Australian Government Landcare NRM Region Award.

Council has been successful in securing funding from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to support an ACT Landcare Facilitator position until December 2009. Council will apply for further funding of this position until 2013.

Council is progressing work with the ACT NRM community and environment groups to explore ways of working together for greater impact on the management of ACT natural resources.

Council hosted a national meeting for the Chief Executives, General Managers and Executive Officers from regional NRM organisations in Canberra on 3 September 2009. The agenda included national water reforms, national Landcare delivery, and leveraging private sector investment.

To promote engagement with the Indigenous community, Council is undertaking projects including: a four day Indigenous Cultural Landscape Awareness Training workshop in December 2009; and the development of an Indigenous Environmental Education Curriculum in partnership with the Departments of Environment, Climate Change Energy and Water and Education and Training.

The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 1 December 2009.