Louise Burge

25 Aug Louise Burge

Louise Burge, Australia

Louise Burge and her family operate a mixed agricultural enterprise in the Southern Riverina region of New South Wales (Australia) She has an extensive background in many fields of natural resource management and has represented the farming sector at Federal and State Level. Louise is a past board member of NSW Farmer’s Association, Murray Catchment Management Board and the Murray Catchment Management Authority. Her roles also have included terms on NSW Natural Resources Advisory Council, NSW State Landcare and NSW Noxious Weeds Advisory Council Louise has a significant background in Australia’s Natural Heritage Trust programs through former employment with Greening Australia and has participated in industry environmental initiatives such as Ricegrower’s Environmental Champion’s Program. Louise’s experience also extends to private forestry, threatened species and she has major roles in surface and aquifer water management policies including the development of water sharing plans.

Louise Burge and her family operate a mixed agricultural enterprise in the Southern Riverina region of New South Wales (Australia) She has an extensive background in many fields of natural resource management and has represented the farming sector at Federal and State Level. Louise is a past board member of NSW Farmer’s Association, Murray Catchment Management Board and the Murray Catchment Management Authority. Her roles also have included terms on NSW Natural Resources Advisory Council, NSW State Landcare and NSW Noxious Weeds Advisory Council Louise has a significant background in Australia’s Natural Heritage Trust programs through former employment with Greening Australia and has participated in industry environmental initiatives such as Ricegrower’s Environmental Champion’s Program. Louise’s experience also extends to private forestry, threatened species and she has major roles in surface and aquifer water management policies including the development of water sharing plans.

Presentation Title: National Agricultural Productivity & Reconciliation Ecology Centre

Reconciliation ecology is a term that enables the exploration of new pathways to achieve ecological and biodiversity outcomes in human-dominated landscapes.

To deliver on this potential, identifying  foundation components is critical to achieving natural resource management (NRM) goals in modified landscapes.

In assessing those values, major opportunities also emerge for preservation and conservation outcomes in areas still in their natural, or near natural state.

In the world of economic changes, future funding for environmental programs may be challenged!  How will outcomes be achieved and what role can policy play in likely scenarios of fewer jobs, increased competition for Government dollars and shifting of emphasis in Government support?

In the Southern Riverina region of New South Wales (Australia), the rural town of Deniliquin is uniquely placed to develop opportunities around the term Reconciliation Ecology. A community response in 2016 led to the establishment of a not for profit organisation  – National Agricultural Productivity and Reconciliation Centre (NAPREC)

The concept of reconciliation ecology was first developed by Professor Michael Rosenzweig in his book Win:Win Ecology.[i]

The Murray Valley has many examples of reconciliation ecology already in practice with its unique attributes and recognised ecological assets. However the region has also experienced symptoms of broader external conflicts between competing priorities for social, economic and environmental values

NAPREC will establish links with education and research institutions to identify what are the components of policy critical to community participation in delivering and achieving environmental goals within Australia.

How policy is prepared and implemented, how local knowledge is valued and incorporated and what are the triggers for legacy participation beyond any short term funding programs.

The outcomes of NAPREC are significant for policies in all spheres of land, water and biodiversity management.