Have Your Say on the Wet Tropics Plan for People and Country

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE PLAN

REVIEW OF WET TROPICS PLAN FOR PEOPLE & COUNTRY

19 MARCH 2020

Climate change is emerging as the hot topic for Tablelands community groups and landholders who are having their say on the Wet Tropics Plan for People and Country.

Terrain NRM’s Bronwyn Robertson said a major review of the plan, five years after it was first launched, was revealing a shift in perspective.

“Community groups are talking about the impact of climate change and saying it is something that they want to see action on – to protect habitat and communities,’’ Mrs Robertson said.

More than 60 people – from community group members to traditional owners and landholders – have given their input over the past two months in the Southern Tablelands and Upper Herbert districts. Mrs Roberston is encouraging others to have their say too.

“The Wet Tropics Plan for People and Country includes priority actions for each area in this region covering Ingham, the Cassowary Coast, Tablelands, Upper Herbert, Cairns and Mossman-Port Douglas,’’ she said.

“It’s the basis for decision-making at all levels – from land managers and community groups to investors and government.”

Terrain NRM is custodian of the natural resource management plan, which is community-driven and supported by scientific and technical information. It is online at www.wettropicsplan.org.au

Mrs Robertson has been speaking with members of Barron Catchment Care, Tolga Bat Rescue, TREAT, Wabubadda, Wadjanbarra and Yungaburra Landcare over the past few months.

This project is supported by Terrain NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

“Some of the priorities raised so far include holistic grazing management to help improve soil health, managing future fire risk to farms and wildlife habitat, managing erosion and water quality and understanding how to protect trees and landscapes from the impacts of climate change,’’ Mrs Robertson said.

“We are keen to hear from a good cross-section of the community, to make sure we are all working towards targeted natural resource management activities for maximum benefit to our region.

“The current priority actions for the Tablelands range from creating habitat corridors for biodiversity to improving drainage to reduce run-off. And there has been good progress as a community over the last five years.”

Terrain NRM will also be talking to groups and individuals in other areas of the Wet Tropics region in coming months.

For more information about the Wet Tropics Plan for People and Country review, visit www.wettropicsplan.org.au, contact Terrain NRM’s Bronwyn Robertson on 0423 208 635 or take the online survey.