.jpg) Initially aimed at developing a regional land and water strategy, South Coast NRM began as the South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) in 1994, a grass-roots regional partnership using broad community consultation and support. It developed as an independent incorporated group that operated as the peak regional body that brought people, organisations and information together to help the community drive sustainable natural resource management (NRM) and positive social and economic outcomes.
From this initial vision and strong leadership by key community members, a growing membership base dedicated considerable time to developing partnerships and wider community support that gave governments confidence in SCRIPT as a sound vehicle for NRM investment.
Since its formation, SCRIPT played a key role in facilitating and administering funding through several programs across the region.
Come May 2007, a new name and logo was adopted and SCRIPT was rebranded South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc. The organisation transitioned from a management committee to a council.
In October 2008, the council was replaced by a skills-based Board of Management. The decision to move to a board structure had been proposed for some time with the aim of separating and streamlining governance. The restructure saw South Coast NRM move from a four-tier structure to three-tier, with a skills-based board, committees and reference groups that were theme-based to support the NRM Committee, and ultimately the board. All committees and reference groups comprise of, and are chaired by, a majority of community members.
The new board structure was responsible for priority setting, providing investment advice, and making the most efficient use of community input to keep up with changes occurring in the NRM community. Maintaining and increasing funding to NRM was another important role for the board.
South Coast NRM has continued to grow and now employs over 35 people in planning, co-ordination, administrative and technical roles. This growth and development directly reflects the growth and development in the emerging sector of NRM. It can also been seen as reflecting the positive impact NRM is having on our community across the region. |
