Our Legislative framework
The Northern Rivers CMA is constituted under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003. Under the Act, the role and function of the CMA is to engage regional communities in NRM priorities and direct investment into regional activities to restore and protect NRM values. The CMA is also required to:
- Develop and deliver a regional Catchment Action Plan (CAP)
- Provide loans, grants, subsidies or other financial assistance for catchment activities
- Provide contracts or undertaking of works for the purposes of catchment activities
- Assist landholders to achieve the objectives of the CAP
- Provide educational and training courses and materials in connection with NRM
- Any perform any other function relating to NRM as prescribed by the Catchment Management Authorities Regulations 2005
The Northern Rivers CMA also has responsibilities under the Native Vegetation Act 2003, and Regulations 2005, and operates according to a range of other Acts and Regulations relating to NRM and public sector governance, including:
- Soil Conservation Act 1938
- Water Management Act 2000
- Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Regulation 2000
- Annual Reports Act (Statutory Bodies) 1984
- Native Vegetation Act 2003
- Native Vegetation Regulation 2005
- Public Finance and Audit Act 1983
- Public Finance and Audit Regulation 2000
- Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002
For more information about these Acts, visit NSW Legislation.
The CMA also applies, as required, a range of State and Australian Government policies and guidelines to its operations.
A Strategic approach
Northern Rivers CMA business is largely guided by the Northern Rivers CAP, a statutory, non-regulatory, plan that guides priorities and investment in the Northern Rivers region. A number of other strategic plans and guidelines also provide overall direction for the organisation's activities, including the New South Wales State Plan, Northern Rivers CMA Strategic Plan, Northern Rivers CMA 2007/08 Investment Strategy, a suite of organisational investment priorities and Principles, New South Wales Standard for NRM and State and Australian Government Financial Head Agreements.
Areas of focus
The Northern Rivers CMA takes an innovative approach to the delivery of its business and legislative obligations by:
- Specifically targeting the development of partnerships with community organisations and other agencies to deliver NRM outcomes
- Regularly brokering relationships and funding partnerships between external stakeholders to achieve
- regional NRM outcomes
- Outsourcing the majority of funded NRM activities under contract, creating a dynamic and versatile regional NRM industry and additional capacity within the community for ongoing NRM delivery
- Operating as a communication and advisory point for NRM information exchange between, organisations, agencies and the community in general through the funding of locally-based
- Community Support officers employed by community non-government organisations (NGOs)
- Providing financial incentives to the community to participate in NRM which will also strengthen the social fabric of the communities
