Back

Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Biodiversity Audit

NSW Government

RMCG was engaged by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to conduct a stage one audit of Local Land Services’ (LLS) implementation of major reforms. The reforms, implemented in response to the 2014 report of the Independent Biodiversity Legislation Panel concluded that fundamental and transformational change to the system was needed to ensure biodiversity was conserved, and sustainable development supported.

Addressing the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW), the reforms comprise of a broad range of actions across Government that contribute to biodiversity conservation. The new Land Management Framework is administrated by LLS, with a focus on the Sustainable Land Management Group (SLMG), which provides extension and support to landholders.

As part of the stage one audit RMCG identified and reviewed SLMG’s processes, systems, records and guidelines, as well as their capability to provide accurate, consistent and timely advice. The final report to the Minister provided evidence-based insights for the SLMG to improve implementation.

Team

Jencie McRobert

Jencie McRobert

Associate

B.Sci., Grad.Dip.Eco., Assoc.App.Sci.

Jencie understands the science and economics of natural resource management and has grounded and practical experience in soils, mixed farming and viticulture. She has highly developed skills in evaluation of agricultural and natural resource management programs, business case writing, greenhouse emissions analysis and sustainable resource use, and catchment management.  Jencie knows and appreciates the issues affecting communities in rural and regional Australia.

0427 679 038
Steph Drum

Steph Drum

Associate

B.Nat.Res. (Hons)

Steph Drum is a highly experienced and passionate natural resource management professional with almost 20 years’ experience working across government, not-for-profit and community sectors. Based in New South Wales, Steph brings a deep understanding of the local landscapes, challenges and opportunities that shape sustainable land and water management in the region.

Her expertise spans natural resource management and sustainable agriculture, policy and strategy development, program design and evaluation, and stakeholder and community engagement. She has led the design, delivery, and evaluation of a wide range of NRM programs — from threatened species conservation and landscape restoration to community-based conservation initiatives.

Steph is known for combining strong technical knowledge with a collaborative, community-centred approach. She is skilled at building trust and capability in diverse stakeholder groups, and tailoring strategies that deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes. Her work is grounded in real-world insight and a commitment to practical, lasting change.

0402 608 128

Related Articles

Planning for nature in a growing city: A biodiversity strategy for Greater Geelong

07 NOV 2025

The City of Greater Geelong lies on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People, who for tens of thousands of years have actively managed and cared for the diverse ecosystems of the area – inclu...

Read More

Managing salinity risks in the NSW Murray-Darling Basin catchments

22 OCT 2025

The threat of salinity across the Murray-Darling Basin poses significant economic, environmental and social challenges for NSW but also for the other jurisdictions that share this important resource. ...

Read More

Goulburn Murray region sees its future in 2050

02 DEC 2024

What could Victoria's Goulburn Murray region look like in 2050? New research suggests that locally-led action, aligned with global efforts to reduce emissions, could ensure the Goulburn Murray regi...

Read More

Contact