Barriers to implementation of natural resource management at the landholding level in the intensive agricultural zones of Southern Australia

Abstract

The extent to which past natural resource management investment in Australia has actually improved the condition of natural resources is unclear. Many lessons remain to be drawn that can benefit NRM and help empower decision-makers responsible for resource stewardship. Twenty-three key decision-makers (policy-makers, landholders, scientists, land administration policy-makers) involved in NRM in Australia were interviewed using questions designed to identify the limitations in the existing approaches to NRM, and to identify where barriers to improvement exist. Lack of information to support decision-making, the small returns on agriculture in marginal areas, poor allocation of funding, reluctance to release information and a lack of whole-of-government approach to management were seen to be important barriers. We discuss the significance of these findings and conclude that a whole-of government approach to NRM and improved information would enhance decision-making.