NRM South has been appointed as the project service provider for southern Tasmania through the Australian Government’s Regional Land Partnerships program. Over the next four years, we will deliver vital on-ground projects on behalf of the Australian Government that will benefit the environment, communities and industries of southern Tasmania.
Our projects will focus on delivering priority action in partnership with our local communities, farmers and industries. We will deliver four Regional Land Partnerships projects, worth more than $4.7 million on behalf of the Australian Government. These include projects to:
- help save one of Australia’s rarest eucalypt species—Morrisby’s gum;
- protect stands of the rare Black and Brooker’s Gum vegetation community;
- protect endangered species – including the Swift Parrot; and
- support farmers in the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and to address issues such as soil erosion, acidification and nutrient management.
NRM South Board Chair, Andrew Scanlon, says securing the investment is a major win for southern Tasmania. “NRM South will support the community to achieve important, on-ground environmental and agricultural outcomes and protect the unique natural assets of the southern Tasmanian region,” Mr Scanlon said.
NRM South is also leading two other significant Australian Government projects:
- $1.5 million Environment Restoration Fund project, which aims to protect the eastern quoll population in Bruny Island’s north, by supporting feral cat control efforts and promoting responsible pet ownership across the island; and
- $3 million Smart Farm Partnership grant in partnership with Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council, which aimsto improve marine biodiversity outcomes across Tasmania’s marine waterways and develop new skills and education programs focused on sustainable seafood industry practices.
The funding success coincides with the appointment of a new CEO for NRM South.
“Nepelle Crane brings decades of experience working on NRM issues in southern Tasmania, as well as public policy, industry, and community engagement,” said Mr Scanlon.
As a rural landowner in southern Tasmania, Nepelle said she appreciates the beauty and value of Tasmania’s natural resources, whilst also understanding the challenges that face primary producers and local industry.
“It’s fantastic to see southern Tasmania receiving this important funding, and I am looking forward to leading our team and working with our incredible partners to deliver outcomes for threatened species, wetlands and our farming and seafood industries,” Nepelle said.
Mr Scanlon said that Nepelle was a valuable addition to the NRM South team and added “We are all excited to have Nepelle join the NRM South team. With her wealth of experience, negotiation, program management and organisational skills she is the ideal CEO to lead us into this next phase”.
NRM South acknowledges the core funding provided by the Tasmanian Government that has enabled the organisation to leverage this funding for the Tasmanian community.