Everyone has a role to play in protecting the precious plants, animals and natural environment our region is well know for, MidCoast Council senior ecologist, Mathew Bell says.
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"Biodiversity benefits us all, not only in environmental terms but in supporting our wellbeing, our place, our lifestyle, and the region's economy," he says.
In the first step of recognising this important philosophy MidCoast Council is developing a biodiversity framework, and is inviting members of the community and key stakeholders for their input.
"Preparing a framework now for how we will manage, conserve and restore biodiversity across the Mid Coast is vital to the sustainability of our region into the future," Mr Bell said.
The biodiversity framework (2020-30) will provide a blueprint for a suite of plans, principles, policies, actions and management tools.
Using an adaptive management approach, the framework will provide flexibility to respond to changing environmental pressures and community needs.
Biodiversity benefits us all, not only in environmental terms but in supporting our wellbeing, our place, our lifestyle, and the region's economy.
- Mathew Bell
"Habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive plants and animals, and the impacts of climate change are just some of the pressures on biodiversity in our region.
"We have a collective responsibility to review what we are doing now, and to manage biodiversity more effectively in the future".
In this first stage of the project, feedback from community members, interest groups and other government agencies will be collated to identify priorities and to explore how council can provide support in managing biodiversity in the region.
In a second stage the draft framework will be placed on exhibition, before being put forward to councillors for adoption next year.
The biodiversity framework forms part of council's commitment to delivering on the core values identified by the local community in the Community Strategic Plan, MidCoast 2030: Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility.
To find out more about biodiversity and the process for developing the Biodiversity Framework, visit the MidCoast Council Biodiversity Framework 2020-30 page.
An online survey is also available to have your say, before the feedback period closes on Friday, November 20.
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