THE challenge of aligning the interests of people, planet and profits in Australia’s environmental and agricultural sectors will be the central theme of discussion at the sixth National NRM Knowledge Conference in Coffs Harbour.

Leaders from natural resource management organisations, farming, landcare and related agricultural industries will join over 350 delegates converging on Coffs Harbour for the three-day NRM Conference in June, facilitated by media personality and Bellingen resident George Negus.

North Coast Local Land Services general manager Bruce Brown explained the importance of the theme for the conference.

“The triple bottom line of ‘people, planet and profits’ reflects the changing face of natural resource management. It looks beyond the individual components of the triple bottom line and focuses on longer term sustainability,” he said.

“Achieving a balance that benefits communities, creates profit and minimises harm to the planet is essentially the goal of all business enterprises. Where this balance is achieved, you see profitable agricultural industries, healthy ecosystems and vibrant, dynamic communities.

“There are many good examples on the NSW North Coast where industry is achieving longer term sustainability and we are looking forward to showcasing these during the field trips.”

Conference field trips will explore a diversity of natural resource management projects and activities being undertaken on the Mid North and North Coasts.

Topics will range from innovative water management in the Upper Orara River, to agricultural production in the Coffs hinterland, the complexity of the Bellinger River estuary and the unique natural habitat on Muttonbird Island.

For more information about the conference visit the Conference website conference. nrmregions australia.com.au.