Our vision

Healthy landscapes and thriving communities in the Burdekin Dry Tropics.

Our purpose

Support the Burdekin Dry Tropics community to sustainably manage land, water, soil, plants, and animals.

Leading natural resource management in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region

About us

NQ Dry Tropics is the natural resource management (NRM) organisation for the Burdekin Dry Tropics region of North Queensland.

We are an independent, not-for-profit company delivering on-ground repair, extension, workshops and training, and strategic NRM planning to improve:

  • landscapes — healthy natural and Cultural resources;
  • livelihoods — profitable primary production to support vibrant regional economies; and
  • communities — strong, resilient and connected.


We are one of 54 NRM groups across Australia and one of 12 operating in Queensland. Formed in 2002, we are a trusted partner to landholders, Traditional Owners, science and industry, community groups and government. Together, we deliver high-quality science-based projects that:

  • protect natural assets for future generations;
  • improve Reef water quality by repairing landscapes, and supporting practice change to strengthen stewardship, profitability and climate resilience for primary producers;
  • support Traditional Owner leadership in natural resource management; and
  • strengthen planning for the sustainable management of natural resources.

What we do

NQ Dry Tropics works alongside hundreds of community, industry and government partners to plan and deliver natural resource management (NRM) projects in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

We support North Queenslanders to improve the health of land and water ecosystems, for a more prosperous and resilient future.

This work protects biodiversity, supports industries like agriculture, tourism and fishing, and strengthens community resilience to the growing threat of drought and extreme weather associated with climate change. 

We proudly advocate for our region, boosting local economies by creating jobs, using local suppliers wherever possible, and improving the condition of natural resources essential to liveability and future prosperity.

Our work also contributes to wider state and national outcomes and targets, ensuring we always keep the big picture in mind while addressing local needs.

With more than two decades’ experience of successful project delivery, a passionate team of staff and robust governance structures, we are trusted by our partners as a safe pair of hands, able to effectively address complex environmental challenges.  

Protecting natural assets for future generations

We improve the health of land and water ecosystems, for the benefit of current and future generations. This work includes:

  • controlling weeds and feral animals;
  • planting native species to improve biodiversity and reduce erosion; 
  • driving community participation through events and other awareness-raising activities; 
  • constructing fishways to remove barriers to fish migration; and
  • providing planning direction and connecting industry, government, Traditional Owners, community groups, and science bodies to align efforts and deliver coordinated outcomes.
Chihuahuan grazier Alejandro Carrillo conducting a regenerative ranching workshop in the field near Collinsville.
Rock ramp fishways, like this one near Ayr, allow juvenile species such as Mangrove jack to migrate upstream from the ocean to complete their life cycle.

Improving Reef water quality while supporting primary producers

We help protect the Great Barrier Reef through activities that reduce water quality impacts of sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff, while improving the profitability and climate resilience for the agricultural sector.

This work includes:

  • supporting primary producers to adopt improved practices;
    • partnering with graziers to improve all aspects of their enterprise for better productivity, sustainability and drought resilience; and
    • supporting growers to boost their bottom line and protect the environment by adopting best practices and trialing cutting edge technology to optimise irrigation, nutrient and pesticide use;
  • repairing priority gullies and streambanks to reduce sediment erosion;
  • leading regional water quality planning and participating in state and national initiatives;
  • working with scientists to monitor and report on water quality; and
  • improving the health of creeks and wetlands flowing into the Reef.
JCU TropWATER's Steve Lewis taught landholders how to take water quality samples following rain events .

Supporting Traditional Owner leadership in natural resource management

We envision a future where Traditional Owner knowledge and leadership is widely celebrated, respected and applied in NRM.

Guided by our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, we support Traditional Owners to take a leadership role in NRM, ensuring Cultural values and practices are respected and incorporated into land management efforts.

This work includes:

  • facilitating regular meetings of the Burdekin Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group;
  • creating opportunities to work on Country and revitalise Traditional knowledge; 
  • developing and promoting positive relationships between Traditional Owners and other landholders across the region; and
  • promoting respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, and observing cultural protocols.
NQ Dry Tropics NRM Project Manager Carlo Mattone with Wulgurukaba Traditional Owner Virginia Wyles as she delivered Cultural Heritage training.

Planning for sustainable NRM

We believe good planning, based on strong stakeholder engagement, is key to effective on-ground natural resource management.

Our work is guided by several foundational plans, including the Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM Plan, a Caring For Country Plan, Regional Pest Management Strategy, and Burdekin Regional Reef Water Quality Strategy. 

We take a collaborative, practical approach to planning focused on building cross-sector partnerships between industry, government, community groups, and researchers to align efforts and deliver coordinated outcomes.

We are experienced in leading planning projects, and our staff regularly contribute their ideas and expertise to inform initiatives led by other groups that share our values.

Pictured with an NRM Management Plan Status Report are from left: Dr Greg Calvert (Environmental Consultant and scientist), Dr Jules Funnell (NQ Dry Tropics MERI Coordinator), Greg Watson (Burdekin Canegrowers).

We belong to an extensive NRM network

NQ Dry Tropics is one of 12 regional NRM groups in Queensland, and belongs to a national network of 54 NRM organisations.

NRM Regions Australia (NRMRA)

NRMRA serves as a national voice for its member organisations by working to promote the importance and value of regional natural resource management at a national level.

NRM Regions Queensland (NRMRQ)

NRMRQ is the representative body for NRM in Queensland, influencing, supporting and promoting the work of our members – the 12 regional NRM organisations in Queensland.

Download our

Strategic Plan

Download our

Reconciliation Action Plan
Read our Strategic Plan and Reconciliation Action Plan. Click on the covers to read or download.
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