Knowledge for Regional NRM - Products and Services

The Knowledge for Regional NRM Program has now completed more than three years of work involving delivery of three packages. Some of the key activities within these are highlighted below and work will be continuing on many of these. More background information on the Program and the strategy for developing the packages is available in the Program Background pages.

1. Better practice in knowledge management

Key activities:

• Producing the Regional Knowledge Resource Kit (RKRK) at www.rkrk.net.au. This is a collaborative, online resource containing information on how to develop a Regional Knowledge Strategy, a resource library with a wide range of information and knowledge management resources, and news of latest developments in information and knowledge management for regional NRM.
• Developing Regional Knowledge Strategies with five RKRK pilot NRM regional bodies: Avon Catchments Council (WA), Central West CMA (NSW), Corangamite CMA (Vic), NRM North (Tas), and South West NRM (QLD).
• Regional Knowledge Leaders training to assist regional NRM bodies enhance their capability to create, share and use information and knowledge.
• How to work with knowledge providers workshop (5-6 November 2007, Brisbane).
• Setting up a Friends of the RKRK online group for anyone who is involved with regional NRM and has an interest in information management or knowledge management.

The key coordinators of this work were: Bruce Boyes, Program Officer (RKRK) and Melanie Randall, Program Officer (RKRK).

2. NRM Toolbar

Key activities:

• Developing and producing the NRM Toolbar (www.nrmtoolbar.net.au) and associated databases, for example, decision support tools, events, brokering services, professional bodies. The NRM Toolbar is an Australian-first offering a search engine to access key NRM databases such as AANRO, Livestock Library and Australian Spatial Data Directory.
• Enhancing the usability of the NRM Search Engine facility and adding in additional features. 
• Reviewing the databases and reworking the interface.

The key coordinator of this work was Mat Silver, Program Officer (NRM Toolbar). Assistance was also given by Alison Carter, Research and Information Officer and Claire Harris, Communication and Research Officer. For more information on the NRM Toolbar please contact Alison Carter.

3. Supporting knowledge brokering in the NRM sector

This package provided a range of services to regional NRM bodies to support them to broker knowledge.

Key activities include:

• Operating the Gotta question? service (managed by Alison Carter and Claire Harris)
• Developing and funding a systematic review trial (managed by Mat Silver and Nadeem Samnakay)
• Funding a Decision Advice trial for regional bodies (managed by Claire Harris and Mat Silver)
• Investigating establishing a Community of Practice (also known as expert network) for Regional Knowledge Brokers (contact Nerida Hart).

For any other information, please contact the team.