Evaluation of sustainable agriculture outcomes from regional investment (NAP and NHT)

An evaluation of the effectiveness of regional approaches to natural resource management (NRM) in achieving sustainable agriculture outcomes indicated that although the regional delivery model is effective, there is still a lot of potential to be realised. The evaluation involved a desk top review of regional plans and investment strategies in 15 case study regions and a detailed analysis of seven NAP regions (West Gippsland and Wimmera in Victoria, Central West NSW, South Coast WA, Alinytjara Wilurara SA, Fitzroy Qld and North Tasmania). Collectively, the case studies demonstrated that the regional delivery model has improved understandings of inherent links between production and conservation outcomes, fostered strong linkages with the agricultural community, and facilitated a targeted approach to issues involving agriculture, for example off site impacts on water quality. The evaluation highlighted the strengths of regional natural resource management (NRM) bodies, but also identified a range of areas which could enhance regional NRM bodies' capacity to deliver sustainable agricultural outcomes.