The agenda “Integrating Natural Resource Management” saw a range of presentations including Brent Williams and Kirsten Henderson from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority on the Guide for the Draft Basin Plan and the associated Socio Economic Data required by Local Government bodies to assist in the development of the Final Plan.

This was the first time that the MDBA have presented to an audience by invitation in NSW since the release of the draft guide lines back in October this year.

Phil Purcell from the Dept. Environment Climate Change and Water presented on the Cultural Heritage Survey results in the Catchment and the framework for Local Government to ultilise this survey in future development applications and planning.

Geoff Hudson, Policy Manager for the Local Government and Shires Association, presented the new Local Government NRM Integrated Planning & Reporting process including the 10 year Community Strategic Plan.

“The Association believes the new framework provides the community with a clear process for identifying their main priorities and working with their local council to deliver them” Mr Hudson said.

John Nyman from Parkes Shire Council and Casey Proctor LCMA presented on the Lachlan CMA Roadside Vegetation Management Plan template and the community benefits and environmental outcomes from the development of the Parkes Plan.

“The forum provides the platform to share issues and ideas in managing natural resources and to hear presentations by guest speakers on topics raised in previous forums. An excellent opportunity to breech Shire boundaries to address NRM,” said Cowra Councillor Rob Watt.

“The Lachlan CMA is well positioned to facilitate and coordinate regional partnerships for Local Government, through the participation in Local Government Forums and development and implementation of the Lachlan CMA NRM Delivery Plan Partnership Guide,” said Peter Sparkes, LCMA.

The next forum is scheduled for April 2011 in Canberra to showcase regional projects and assets to attract support and raise awareness of natural resource management by Local Government in partnership with the Lachlan CMA in the Lachlan Catchment.