SEQ Catchments believes that a natural resource sector with strong community involvement is essential to the achievement of the NRM Plan targets. As such it invests significantly in educational and awareness raising outcomes, staff, and projects which work collaboratively with local groups wherever feasible and practical.

South East Queensland is blessed with a large number of community based groups who focus on managing, protecting and restoring various aspects of South East Queensland’s natural resources.

These groups vary considerably across the region, in size, focus and approach. Smaller groups may have only 5-10 active members, whilst larger groups may run commerical enterprises (e.g. native tubestock nurseries) from which profits fund ongoing work. Each group focuses on a range of NRM issues that may include things like specific fauna protection, catchment management or water quality. The approach of each community group may also differ - some are more advocacy orientated, whilst others are more involved in active on ground works such as tree planting or running local education programs.

Examples of group support from SEQ Catchments include some $25,000 worth of small grants available for member groups to apply for each year, ongoing partnerships in delivery of on ground projects through our other programs and the availability of the CPMs to facilitate communication on NRM related issues, build networks and to deliver projects collaboratively.