Building a Nature Positive Future

Collaborate with BMRG for real-world impact

Our Mission

Deliver positive impact and measurable projects to protect and enhance the agricultural, cultural and natural environments of the Burnett Mary region.

Our work

BMRG is the peak body for natural resource management (NRM) within the Burnett Mary region. Established in 2001, we are one of 54 national, not-for-profit regional bodies providing an essential link between the community and various programs procured by Government and other funding sources.

Together we work to restore, protect, and build resilience in our natural environment, finding a positive balance between use and preservation. Pairing business, community, and investors, we deliver impactful projects which accelerate meaningful climate action while helping commerce and traditional owner culture thrive. We achieve this by directing investment into a wide range of environmental and community-based programs that deliver positive outcomes in the areas of ecological diversity, sustainable land management, water quality, cultural heritage values and coastal and marine management. Community collaboration and partnerships are paramount to us achieving our vision.

The Burnett Mary Region

Covering approximately 56,000km2 of land and 11,000km2 of sea, the Burnett Mary Region is internationally renowned for its ecological diversity, extensive primary production and rich cultural heritage.

The region supports Queensland’s largest regional population (approximately 350,000 people) outside of the South East Corner, and is made up of five catchments including the Baffle, Burnett, Kolan, Burrum, and Mary catchments.

Environmental Accounting

BMRG leverages its certified Environmental Accounts to provide you confidence in your investment

BMRG has a highly sophisticated approach to service delivery and intentional investment embedded in, and driving, the emerging natural capital approach to natural resource and environmental management.

Environmental accounting, risk assessment, valuation and response optimisation are components of BMRG’s approach that have been developed and proven, to target investment with intent. By ‘investment with intent’, we mean the targeting of landscape and biodiversity outcomes that contribute to beneficial consequences for the Region’s environment, community, and economy long into the future.

Learn More

In the news

Revealing and mapping the secrets of Queensland’s Mary River

Traditional owners and scientists team up to save Mary River’s unique species

Dingo Sticks: Unwanted trees become dingo safety sticks

K'gari fire management program melds modern science with traditional Butchulla cultural burning

Fighting Fire with Fire: Combining traditional and modern burning techniques

Economics has helped to destroy the environment. Can it be used to save it?

Burnett Mary Region
Natural Assets

Flora and Fauna

The Burnett Mary region is home to half of Australias bird species and more than 7,500 flora and fauna species that are rare, threatened, or endangered. Abutting the Southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef, the regions marine environment has more marine fish diversity than the reef itself.

UNESCO Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve

The UNESCO Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve is located within the region, and Sheila Charlesworth (CEO, BMRG) is the Chair of the Management Committee. This Biosphere Reserve recognises the cultural and ecological significance of the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Wetland of International Significance and Kgari Fraser Island World Heritage Area, which is the largest sand island in the world.

World Heritage Listed K’gari (Fraser Island)

World Heritage listed Kgari is the largest sand island in the world and was added to the World Heritage list in 1992 in recognition of its outstanding natural universal values. It is characterised by long uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs, majestic tall rainforests and numerous freshwater lakes of crystal-clear water.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy - K’gari & Bulburin National Park

In 2018, His Majesty King Charles III unveiled a commemorative plaque for the inclusion of K’gari and Bulburin National Park in The Queens Commonwealth Canopy (QCC). The QCC involves 53 Commonwealth countries and raises awareness of indigenous forests, facilitates knowledge exchange and allows participating countries to share best practice for forest conservation. The two sites were the first protected areas in Queensland specifically recognised under the program.

Ramsar Listed Great Sandy Strait

Covering 93,160ha the Great Sandy Strait is an internationally renowned site with its double ended sand passage estuary receiving tidal flows from Hervey Bay in the North and Wide Bay in the South. Fresh water is delivered from a 1.25M ha catchment via the Mary and Susan Rivers, creeks, coastal streams and Cooloola Sand Mass to the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar site.

Burnett Mary Region Wetlands

The Burnett Mary region is also home to numerous wetlands that play a critical role in supporting local biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services. These wetlands, such as the Cherbourg Weir and the Baffle Creek Estuary, are important habitats for many species of migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. They also provide important ecosystem services, such as water purification and flood mitigation, that benefit both the environment and local communities.