Towards an analytical framework for assessing regional natural resource management investment

strategies

Context to developing a framework…

• NAP goal is to empower regional communities to:

– prevent, stabilise and reverse trends in salinity

– improve water quality

Context to developing a framework…

• NHT objectives:– Biodiversity Conservation – Sustainable Use of Natural

Resources – Community Capacity Building and Institutional Change

Context to developing a framework…

• Regional model of delivery

• Competitive outcome-focused resource allocation

• High expectations

• Lack of common currency

Context to developing a framework…

• Tension between top-down & bottom-up management

• Lack of consistent comparable data

Principles for Investment Framework

The process must also be:

• Transparent

• Objective

• Valid

• Time & cost effective

Value for Money

Outline of funding models

1. Simple Formula

2. Needs Based

3. Outcome Focused

Increasing

Complexity

Model 1

Simple Formula e.g. Equity, Area

Model 2

Needs Based

Surrogate Measure of Environmental Disturbance

e.g. Per Capita, Ag Prod, Land Clearance

Environmental Health Measure e.g. NLWRA Catchment Health Indicator,

MDB Salinity Audit

Model 3

Outcome Focused

Traditional Cost / Benefit Analysis

Asset Protection

Outcome Focused

e.g. Asset Protection

Asset

Threat

Effectiveness of Action

Value for Money

First Sieve

Second Sieve

Sieve 1 - Asset / Threat

H

VH

M

L

L M VHThreat

Ass

et

KEYContinue Evaluation Suspend Evaluation

Priority 1 Priority 2

CONTINUE

EVALUATIONH

VH

H

M

L

L M H VH

Value for Money

Eff

ectiv

enes

s

KEYRecommend allocation Suspend evaluation

Proceed

Proceed if Priority 1

Sieve 2 - Effectiveness / Value for Money