About the Natural Resources Commission

The Natural Resources Commission is an independent statutory body set up under the Natural Resources Commission Act 2003. 

We are one of the executive agencies of The Cabinet Office NSW. The Governor of NSW appoints the Commissioner who reports to the Premier for functions under the Act.

Our role

Our role is to give clear, evidence-based advice to the NSW Government. We use the latest science and research, and proven methods, to solve problems and guide decisions.

Natural resource management benefits NSW. It supports healthy communities, strong industries and thriving environments. Natural resources are limited and their management is complex and constantly changing.

Our strategic priorities

Legislative functions

We have legislative responsibilities to improve how NSW manages water, soil, native plants and biodiversity. Our work includes:

• Advising on priorities – We recommend strategic and investment priorities for natural resource management.
• Auditing and reviewing – We check plans and programs to make sure they meet standards and deliver results.
• Designing programs – We provide advice on how programs should be structured and implemented.
• Leading major inquiries – We conduct major reviews in areas such as forestry and emergency management.
• Reviewing outcomes – We examine the social, environmental and economic results of water sharing plans.
• Auditing water plans – We check how water management plans are put into action.
• Resolving complex issues – We find solutions when priorities conflict.
• Auditing land service strategies – We review Local Land Services’ state and local strategic plans.
• Setting standards and targets – We recommend statewide benchmarks for natural resource management.
• Improving knowledge – We advise on research priorities and arrange for information to be collected and shared.

How we work

We work openly and in partnership with others to give advice in a complex and changing environment. This involves:

Consulting widely with stakeholders

We work with communities, industry and Aboriginal groups to shape our advice.

See the corporate documents page to find out about our:

• Stakeholder engagement strategy
• Aboriginal engagement strategy

We conduct have your say consultations from time to time. Our submissions policy page shows how to make a submission on our public consultations, and how we handle your information.

Accessing expert knowledge and panels

We work with expert panels and use the best available science to guide decisions. 

Keeping skilled and experienced staff

Our team's expertise includes ecology, water management, economics, cultural knowledge, forest science, social science, public policy and audit. 

See meet our commissioners and team and careers pages.

Leading improvements and sharing new ideas

We share research and set better standards for monitoring and management.

Our forest research notes provide a quick snapshot of research insights delivered under the forest program. Our issue briefs summarise the key risks and recurring issues we have identified during reviews of water sharing plans.

Access to information and corporate documents

We hold information such as audits, reviews, research reports, program advice and corporate documents.

See our privacy and access to information for information on privacy policy, documents tabled in Parliament, disclosure log, and register of government contracts. On this page, you can also find out how to request information under Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, including informal and formal access options.

Our corporate documents relate to corporate governance, ethical standards, engagement and inclusion, integrity and accountability, and work health and safety.

Our annual reports provide a comprehensive account of our performance and achievements across each financial year.

Our structure and people

We are a part of the Premier's portfolio of affiliated agencies. The Commission meets as required, which is typically once a month.

See meet our team page for more about our people, including the Commissioner and our leadership team.

Also see our corporate documents page for executive structure.