Case studies, guides and notes dedicated to natural resources management (NRM) issues and its integration with regional and local planning mechanisms (including planning schemes) are available.

Although some of the guides have been based on particular regions, the matters covered in them are also relevant to other regions experiencing similar issues. The planning scheme mechanisms and tools available to integrate NRM issues into local government planning schemes are generic.

Water runoff and flow coordination

The Runoff and Flow Coordination Framework ( 528 KB) for the Condamine Floodplains seeks to develop improved coordination of floodplain management and planning processes relating to runoff and flow. It suggests a coordinated regional approach to catchment and floodplain management. Providing a framework to deliver development principles, strategic goals and suggested plans of action for management and development on the floodplains.

The action plans suggest activities such as:

• supporting local management plans and on-ground works
• best management practice in agriculture
• supporting local government planning and development assessment
• road and rail infrastructure floodplain coordination
• education and awareness.

The associated guidelines ( 464 KB) for incorporating runoff and flow coordination into local government planning schemes on the Condamine Floodplains provides an overview of the tools available to local government to assist in the implementation of runoff and flow coordination in a region. It is a useful tool to enhance local understanding of the relationship between the NRM issue of floodplain management and the role and function of the planning scheme in the Condamine and other regions with similar circumstances.

Water quality

Developing a Water Quality policy for Central Queensland ( 460 KB) identifies and discusses:

• relevant documents, data, legislation, policy and strategies
• water quality issues in Central Queensland
• catchment report cards
• sets a broad framework for implementation.

Policy for the Maintenance and Enhancement of Water Quality in Central Queensland ( 1067 KB) was identified as a priority action within the Central Queensland Regional Planning Advisory Committee’s “A New Millennium Regional Growth Management Framework”.

The policy:

• promotes regional coordination of this regionally significant issue
• provides a non-regulatory head of agreement for collaborative planning and management of water quality by all stakeholders in the region
• provides a framework to guide the management and planning of land and water use activities
• identifies the goal, outcomes sought, its application, area and scale of influence, roles and responsibilities and implementation strategies.

Guidelines for Incorporating Water Quality Issues into Local Government Planning Schemes in Central Queensland ( 632 KB) provides:

• guidance on how the Policy for the Maintenance and Enhancement of Water Quality in Central Queensland may be reflected in local government planning schemes
• explination of the role of planning scheme mechanisms and tools available to local government to assist in the implementation of water quality objectives.