The Central Highlands Regional Council has partnered with the Central Highlands Regional Resources Use Planning Cooperative (CHRRUP) to tackle natural resource management issues within the region.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations was signed off on 21 September 2016.
‘This MoU has been developed jointly by council and CHRRUP, acknowledging a willingness to work together to achieve sustainable outcomes for healthy and diverse catchments and sustainable land use,’ Mayor Cr Kerry Hayes said.
‘A collaborative approach is absolutely essential to ensure the holistic management of natural resource management issues in the Central Highlands, such as water quality, pest management and biodiversity.’
Cr Hayes said the partnership allowed for cost efficiencies, pooling of resources, stronger advocacy and closer links with other agencies.
‘Council is already working closely with CHRRUP on a number of control programs, including a project targeting sword pear and mother of millions at Fernlees Camping and Water Reserve, the Willows cactus Green Army program and the ongoing management of wild dogs and feral pigs,’ he said.
‘This formalisation of the partnership affirms our commitment to cooperate, share and support each other to deliver synergistic outcomes – a benefit to all of our communities.’
Executive Officer of CHRRUP, Claire Rodgers, said the MoU demonstrates the alignment of CHRRUP and council activities in natural resource management and adds significant value to CHRRUP’s work.
‘It expands the scope of works we are able to undertake and creates better value for our stakeholders,’ she said.
The MoU will be reviewed with each new term of council.