WHAT WE DO
SUSTAINING LANDSCAPES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
OUR MISSION
Terrain NRM’s mission is to empower communities to solve our region’s environmental challenges, together.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
For over 20 years we’ve worked hand-in-hand with hundreds of organisations and thousands of landholders to strengthen the health and resilience of our region’s reefs, waterways, forests, soils and landscapes. Our projects have improved waterway health, supported sustainable farming, restored habitats, and helped protect the Great Barrier Reef.
OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
Managing the environment really means managing people, and this people-centred approach that involves building strong partnerships across communities is what sets natural resource management (NRM) apart. By combining science, technical expertise, and local and Traditional Owner knowledge, we address challenges strategically and collaboratively. Our team doesn’t just respond to environmental issues—we innovate, think long-term, and create solutions that last.
PART OF A NATIONAL NETWORK
As part of Australia’s unique network of natural resource management organisations, Terrain NRM specialises in planning, designing, and delivering impactful projects. Every project is tailored to restore and protect the natural resources that sustain life in the Wet Tropics region.
OUR CORE SERVICES
“Terrain NRM has been a terrific source of advice in my work with banana growers to navigate the complex world of reef water quality. Their skilled staff generously share their experiences to help inform new ideas and projects and they understand the need to balance environmental outcomes with profitability.“ Michelle McKinlay, Australian Banana Growers Council
NRM PLANNING
Our award winning approach to planning combines the latest science with local knowledge to provide independent, balanced and objective information, prioritise actions and design solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges in the Wet Tropics.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING
We are the custodians of the region’s natural resource management plan that was developed after extensive community consultation. We have built a huge library of knowledge and information about the Wet Tropics environment over the past 15 years which is publicly available through the Wet Tropics Plan for People & Country, an interactive website to identify the community’s priorities for funding NRM projects that includes mapping tools for the community.
SCIENTIFIC MONITORING
From monitoring endangered mahogany gliders to real-time water quality monitoring, we undertake a range of environmental activities.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We have successfully project managed and delivered many on-ground projects ranging from small budget ones to large and complex projects resulting in significant environmental outcomes.
CAPACITY BUILDING
From soil health and natural grazing practices to fire management and revegetation techniques, we build knowledge and capacity in the community and empower individuals and groups to undertake their own projects.
INNOVATION
We’ve been recognised nationally for our innovative culture and systems. We are leading the development of new eco-system service markets and we support the trial of new environmental management systems and processes.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We build awareness of environmental challenges in the region and engage Traditional Owners, community groups and landholders in on-ground projects.