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Here is a list of FAQs...

Q: Why are we being consulted about NRM priorities again? We went though the process in 2004/05 and have just commenced our projects.
A: The INRM Plan consultation helped establish all goals, targets, and actions across all asset areas for the whole Territory. It is the RIS that determines which bits of the Plan’s many Actions get funded each year. The environment changes, our projects change the environment…it’s all about change. To keep the RIS relevant and on-target, we all need to sit down annually and see where we’ve been and where we need to go next.

Q: Why are only some groups being invited to these RIS consultations?
A: These consultations are only one element in determining investment priorities. Ideally, we would have time and resources to consult with everyone.

Q: How can I make sure my group’s interests are acknowledged and prioritised for investment?
A: Contact your Regional NRM Facilitator and make sure you have documented your group’s NRM concerns in a useful format. There are no guarantees about which priorities get funded in a given year. The main benefit of the consultation process is to reveal local problems and local solutions. Even if you don’t get funded through this year’s RIS, you will have gained a valuable insight into your region’s concerns by participating in the RIS consultation. You may even discover funding solutions that are much closer to hand than Canberra. External funding is always important in the Territory, but local self-reliance is the surest path to sustainable progress.

Q: What role does our Regional NRM Facilitator play in the RIS consultation and prioritisation process?
A: The NRMB is fortunate to be entrusted with the service of four experienced and very capable NRM facilitators. In each Region, the Facilitators have been asked to meet with key local stakeholders and gather up the most constructive ideas about NRM threats and opportunities. The record of these consultations will be provided to the NRMB Directors for consideration together with a range of other advice.

Q: Does the NRMB intend to encourage consortium proposals?
A: The NRMB is committed to assisting the community in finding the most efficient approaches to the Territory’s many challenges and opportunities. In many cases, cooperative arrangements are supremely sensible. But that is a matter for you to decide.

Q: Consortium proposals can be awkward and risky to manage. What is the NRMB’s advice?
A: It’s absolutely true that consortium projects demand a higher level of administrative, legal, and organisational capacity. On the other hand, consortium projects offer efficiencies and integration that can make all the difference to your on-ground outcomes. Proponents who decide to put up a consortium project should only do so after they have fully considered the management implications. The NRMB cannot accept liability for a consortium’s failure to manage itself. This risk must be absorbed by the consortium.

Q: What about collaborative projects (ie, each proponent is directly contracted to the NRMB)?
A: The NRMB is committed to encouraging regional co-operation and productive cross-linkages. However, as with consortium arrangements, the risk of individual failure has to be considered and explained in any proposal.

Q: Does the NRMB intend to favour large institutional and corporate applicants, or will it recognise the needs of many small groups?
A: The NRMB s charged with managing a very large funding program and is required to deliver these funds under strict management controls that many small groups find difficult to sustain without significant support from experienced facilitators. At the same time, the NRMB Directors are committed to getting as much money out “on the ground” as possible. That means we have to run a very lean team and cannot afford to provide a full-service assistance program for small groups. Combining these two points, you can see that the natural pathway is toward larger contracts with larger organisations. To offset the recognised problems this raises, the NRMB will be encouraging collaborative and consortia arrangements as above. We are committed to supporting the best regional outcomes possible and are keen to hear of creative suggestions for meeting the needs within the budget.

Q: Will all projects be awarded through open competitive tender?
A: No. We will be offering a range of procurement arrangements as appropriate to the outcomes being sought.

Q: Local-level facilitators were left in a terrible state of affairs in the last round. What can we expect this time?
A: Despite the difficulties, 18 facilitators have received sufficient funding to cover their wages until the end of Dec, 2007. However, the NRMB will continue to review and adjust the way facilitators, NRM group coordinators, and project managers are funded under the RIS and associated projects. There is a task force currently working on a blueprint for the next round of facilitator network design, including options for funding.

Q: What about the INRM Plan? When can we expect to see a new version?
A: The Plan has effect for 5 years, and is scheduled for a major review at the 3 year mark. The current NT INRM Plan will be reviewed starting March 2008, and the next Plan is due for launch March 2010.