More Information

Visit the Australian Government NRM - Policies, agreements and frameworks page for more detailed information.

Regional NRM Groups in Western Australia

In Western Australia there are six Regional NRM Groups:

Bilateral Agreements and the NRM Funding Framework

Bilateral Agreements

Funding under both the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT2) and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAPSWQ) is based on regional strategies developed by regional bodies and meet accreditation criteria outlined under the Bilateral Agreements.

In brief, these criteria require that the Regional strategies are based on scientific analysis, with wide community input, and with identified targets and outcomes that can be measured and reported. Investment plans to guide funding are to be based on the accredited strategies.

The delivery of the NAPSWQ and NHT have been integrated under the one mechanism, and accredited strategies and investment plans have been developed to address all aspects of natural resources management. These demonstrate how they link to and support Australian and State outcomes sought under such initiatives as the Australian and Western Australian Water Quality Management Strategies, the Waterways WA Policy and the WA Salinity Action Plan.

These agreements can be viewed on the websites:


National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality - Bilateral Agreements
Natural Heritage Trust - Bilateral Agreements

NRM Framework in Western Australia

In Western Australia there are six Regional NRM Groups: South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc., Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group, and the Swan, Avon, Northern Agricultural and South West Catchments Councils.

Since June 2003, the Government of Western Australia and the six Regional NRM Groups have been signatories to a memorandum of understanding that formalises their working relationship. The agreement also provides a framework for co-operation, mutual support and accountability for conservation and sustainable land use within Western Australia.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the Regional NRM Groups agree to:

The Chairs of the Regional NRM Groups meet regularly to ensure a consistent approach across the State and to ensure community concerns and issues are voiced to the Western Australian and Australian Governments.