Role and Responsibilities
Because of the broad make-up of Natural Resource Management issues in Western Australia there are many State agencies involved. These include the:

• Department of Agriculture and Food (Lead NRM Agency);
• Department of Environment and Conservation (Lead Support NRM Agency);
• Department of Water;
• Department for Planning and Infrastructure;
• Forest Products Commission;
• Department of Fisheries

As well as the

• Department of Local Government and Regional Development;
• Department of Indigenous Affairs; and the
• Environment Protection Authority.

To assist in the coordination of these various Agencies the Government of Western Australia, in 2003 endorsed the formation of a cross agency Natural Resource Management Unit, called the State Natural Resource Management Office.

The primary functions of the State NRM Office are  to:

• Develop and coordinate 'whole of government' NRM policy;
• Negotiate and interact with the Commonwealth on matters related to the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP);
• Identify WA's commitments to match Commonwealth requirements;
• Provide strategic advice for regional project and investment plan development;
• Administer funds allocated to State-wide NHT/NAP projects;
• Communicate with stakeholders and the broader community on NRM matters; and
• Service the Ministerial Committee on NRM and Salinity; Council for Natural Resource Agency Chief Executives (CONRACE); Joint Commonwealth/State Steering Committee; Natural Resource Management Council; State Investment Committee; Senior Officers Group; and the Regional NRM Chairs Coordinating Group.

Another key role for the Office is working with WA’s six regional NRM Groups, especially in areas such as capacity building and to facilitate good governance and accountability.