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Natural Resources in NSW

Changes to natural resource management in New South Wales

On 2 April 2007 the Hon Phil Koperberg MP was appointed by the Governor of New South Wales as the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water, and the Hon Verity Firth MP was appointed as Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water (Environment).

This exciting new portfolio will allow for greater focus on these important issues in NSW.

The change has also led to the reorganisation of some State Government departments. From 27 April 2007 a new Department of Water and Energy will be created and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability will no longer exist. The Department of Environment and Conservation will change its name to the Department of Environment and Climate Change and undertake some functions previously managed by DNR. Management of Western Lands has been transferred from DNR to the Department of Lands.

Details of all the changes are available on the web in the NSW Government Gazette.

Information on aspects of natural resource management can be found on this natural resources site as well as the following websites:
www.dwe.nsw.gov.au
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
www.lands.nsw.gov.au
www.nativevegetation.nsw.gov.au

Role of DNR

Land and water, our natural resources, are the very essence of life. The Australian landscape helps to define us as a people, but its fragility also presents us with major challenges. And water scarcity is the most urgent and difficult issue we face as a nation – how much water we have, how much we use, how much it costs, and how much will be available in the future.

Managing our natural resources for now and for the future is a task that we can only achieve together.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a vital responsibility – managing our land and water in NSW and building on the great progress we have made over the past decade. Our work is divided into three core areas: water management, soil and vegetation management, and coastal and floodplain management.

DNR’s job is to ensure that people across the state are all able to enjoy the benefits of healthy and productive land and water resources, today and in the future. But only by working with people across NSW can we guarantee the long–term sustainability of our natural resources and the communities that depend on them. For further information view our corporate brochure: An introduction to Natural Resources Management» (PDF file, 228Kb).

Water management

DNR’s main role is the allocation of NSW’s water resources to various users including the environment, agriculture, industry, and the community. This balanced approach to water allocation is aimed at improving the condition of rivers, wetlands, and aquifers, while also providing water for regional economic growth. For further information view our corporate brochure: An introduction to Water Management» (PDF file, 451Kb).

Soil and vegetation management

DNR aims to improve the condition of native vegetation and soil across our state. We recognise that 75 per cent of land in NSW is owned privately or managed for primary production. As a result, we always strive to provide agriculture and industry with the certainty they need to plan for the future, while also ensuring that the NSW Government’s policies of sustainable natural resource management and ending of broadscale land clearing are achieved. For further information view our corporate brochure: An introduction to Soil and Vegetation Management» (PDF file, 407Kb).

Coastal and floodplain management

DNR works to protect vulnerable coastal and flood–prone areas of NSW. By managing these sensitive areas, the Department aims to improve the condition of NSW’s coastal environments and to minimise the damage caused by flooding and coastal erosion. For further information view our corporate brochure: An introduction to Coastal and Floodplain Management» (PDF file, 397Kb).

Western Division

DNR has a special responsibility for the Western Division, which covers almost half of NSW (it includes all of the Far West region and parts of the Barwon, Central West, and Murray/Murrumbigee regions). DNR plays a vital role in the life of the Western Division, working cooperatively with the community in (i) administering leases, other Crown Lands, and the Unincorporated area, (ii) managing water policies, and (iii) protecting and improving the Division’s soil and native vegetation. For further information view our corporate brochure: An introduction to the Western Division of NSW» (PDF file, 653Kb).

Compliance

The main role of the Department of Natural Resources is to support environmental sustainability, economic performance, and quality of life for the NSW community through balanced natural resource management. DNR is therefore committed to working with the community to resolve competing claims for water and land use in ways that sustain the environment and support economic growth.

The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for managing compliance with a wide range of natural resources legislation. Wherever possible, DNR will encourage voluntary compliance with legislation through education and encouragement. However, in the case of serious breaches and significant environmental harm, it can call on a wide variety of enforcement measures.

Science

The Science and Information Division gathers, analyses and distributes knowledge to underpin the management of natural resources across New South Wales. It supports the core functions of the Department and works collaboratively with other organisations that have roles in natural resource sciences.

More about Science»»