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Investing in NRM: economic benefits and ROI
Investing in regional natural resource management creates jobs, boosts the economy and results in leveraged funds. Investing in on-ground works also results in a significant return on investment. In 2021, consultants EY quantified some of these economic impacts for Queensland's NRM sector.

In 2021, for the first time, Queensland’s regional NRM sector quantified the impact that we have on regional economies, jobs, building local skills and capabilities and helping stakeholders better understand how to sustainably manage natural resources.

Some of this research focussed specifically on the economic impact of investing in regional natural resource management.

Consulting firm EY found that $71.9 million is invested into regional natural resource management in Queensland annually from all sources. The Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment Program contributed 15% of that total. This investment collectively generates an additional contribution of $183 million to the Queensland economy with $91.9 million value added.

The consultants also found that the regional NRM sector employs 268 FTEs but also creates an additional 367 FTEs, with nearly all of those roles created in Queensland’s regions where they are needed most.

For every $1 of state funding, the NRM sector leverages another $4.20.

“Relative to government, NRM bodies have the ability to leverage additional funds and in-kind contributions, including through commercial funding as well as other sources,” the researchers said.

As well as exploring the economic impact of investment in NRM, researchers also collected data on the cost-benefit ratios for a range of on-ground environmental activities including revegetation, coastal habitat improvement, habitat creation and managing weeds.

Every dollar invested returns to the economy and society between $0.15 and $5.80. A benefit-cost rail greater than $1.00 represents an intervention expected to deliver a positive return on investment.

For every dollar invested, soil amelioration returns $3.00 to society. Weed management returns between $2.30 and $24.60 and improving wetland habitats returns up to $3.07.

You can view the full infographic summarising this research here. Or read more about the other components of this $500,000 program of research here.

The funding to collect this data was provided by the Queensland Government to support NRM Regions Queensland to tell more compelling stories about natural resource management outcomes across the state.