INTRODUCTION
Property management planning gives landholders an accurate overall picture of their property and management practices and where they should be heading to maximise their property’s potential in a sustainable way. While property management planning is most commonly undertaken by farmers, it is applicable to a wide range of property types, sizes and enterprises.
 It is a process which supports good land management practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximum outcomes from the use of our natural resources. It can identify for landholders where best to undertake natural resource management activities.
Aerial imagery and GPS surveying equipment is used to create detailed maps, showing a property’s infrastructure and natural resource assets. A team of experts then works with the landholder on specific issues relevant to their property, based around soil, water, natural resource management and agronomy and business management.
Technical input is provided on the property on a one-on-one basis, as well as in a group-training environment.
THE BIG PICTURE
NRM North’s Property Management Planning process builds a comprehensive picture of current land management practices, which helps NRM North better plan natural resource management activities in catchments and sub-catchments.
The planning support provided by NRM North is enhanced by cash contributions from the landholders themselves. This model of co-investment ensures the plans meet the needs of both NRM North and landholders.
Regional NRM facilitators play an important role in bringing together and establishing farmer/landholder groups. This is often the first time many landholders have been exposed to natural resource management and provides NRM North with a vehicle for further regional activities.
Financial incentives are offered to support landholders in the implementation of on-ground actions identified in their property management plan, to protect, enhance and manage natural values on their property.
WHY IS THIS ACTIVITY IMPORTANT
 The purpose of property management planning is to ensure the long-term viability of enterprises with minimal environmental harm, now and in the future. It recognises the combined environmental, social and economic aspects of farming and other land uses.
NRM North’s primary focus is on understanding and addressing the natural resource elements in property management planning, while ensuring the overall enterprise context is considered. Property management planning is considered a valuable tool by farmers for both good natural resource management and business elements of their enterprises.
Support of on-ground action results in the increased capacity for landholders to manage and protect the natural resources of the northern region.
WHAT HAS BEEN SOLVED
Property management planning has provided landholders with the understanding and knowledge to implement best practice natural resource management strategies.
The extra assistance provided for on-ground action has enabled many to begin to make positive changes which challenging seasons would otherwise not have allowed.
WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED
Thirty-two property management plans have been completed in 2008/09. Groups of landholders participated from the upper South Esk catchment areas of Avoca and Fingal, lower Liffey area and the Mole Creek karst landscapes.
The property management plans completed this year cover an area of over 42,000 hectares. This brings the total number of property management plans supported by NRM North over the past four years to around 180, covering approximately 233,000 hectares.
Each property management plan has an action plan which will form the basis of sub-catchment planning and delivery of incentives. Group-training sessions have been undertaken on topics such as integrated pest management, soil carbon, sustainable pastures and drought management. An extensive range of issues, from soil health, erosion, weeds and native vegetation management through to water resource management, have been identified and recorded through the process. Group information and recommendations have been geospatially recorded and provided to NRM North for further analysis.
LESSONS LEARNT
Creating sub-catchment groups encourages farmers to work together and creates awareness of what is happening outside their own boundary fence. This means key catchment issues can be identified more easily, making on-ground works more targeted and effective.
Providing financial incentives for the implementation of best practice natural resource management activities is appreciated by landholders and can result in significant on-ground outcomes even in demanding times.
MORE INFORMATION
Jo Voller
Property Management Planning Coordinator, NRM North
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
p: (03) 6333 7774
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