Governance – the manner in which something is governed or influenced (Oxford English Dictionary) – is about how society organises itself to achieve its goals. Governments play a major role, but many people and organisations outside government are involved. Natural resource management (NRM) governance is about the mechanisms all these people and organisations use to influence decisions about the sustainable use of Australia’s lands, seas and waters.

Accompanying a growing awareness of the decline in natural resources that is allied with increasing use, the number and complexity of NRM governance mechanisms in Australia has magnified in recent years. No one has examined the impact this has on the effectiveness of NRM governance as a whole.

This paper provides an introduction to thinking about NRM governance across Australia as a connected system of social organisation set within a linked social- ecological system. Particular characteristics of Australia that need to shape its NRM governance design include: a variable rainfall and slow ecosystem repeat cycles; high ecosystem diversity; a range of social and political systems; local rules and customs; and a low rural population density.

The paper outlines the structure and mechanisms of Australia’s NRM governance system, and draws on science and practical experience in analysing its shortcomings.

This paper was drafted by Sarah Ryan, Kathleen Broderick, Yvonne Sneddon and Kate Andrews on behalf of the Australian Regional NRM Chairs.