Member update from Lauren Wallace, RMLA President

Last week, the national committee came together for a strategy session on RMLA’s longer-term direction, facilitated by Jen Pelvin. With the legislation that underpinned the RMLA’s creation now on its way out, and a new resource management system on the horizon, it felt like an opportune time to step back and ask: what has RMLA stood for and achieved over the past three decades, and what do we want its next chapter to look like?

A key part of the discussion focused on who we are as an organisation and what should guide us into the future. We spent time thinking about RMLA’s values and vision, and whether they reflect the organisation we are today and the role we want to play under the new system. There was strong support for values rooted in integrity, professionalism, inclusivity, credibility, and integrated thinking, alongside a shared view that RMLA’s purpose should transcend any single piece of legislation. In other words, while the legal framework may change, our commitment to promoting excellence in resource management law, policy, and practice remains constant. We felt our current vision - to foster a community of professionals united in their commitment to shaping a sustainable future for our environment and resources” – continues to provide useful guidance, but that it could benefit from some refinement. 

We also identified our strategic priorities for the year ahead. These include strengthening our marketing and communications strategy, optimising our website and online presence, and finding new ways to elevate RMLA’s profile, influence, and overall value to members. Our annual conference, events, and webinars were highlighted as strengths and we intend to build on these, while also continuing to nurture a broad, connected professional community across disciplines, regions, and career stages.

So watch this space as we move into the implementation phase. And, as always, if you have thoughts on RMLA's future direction or how we can better serve the resource management sector, please reach out to me or any member of the national committee.

I’d also like to thank Chief Environment Court Judge David Kirkpatrick for taking the time to come and meet with the national committee after our strategy session. It was great to get an update from him on both the Environment Court and the current work being undertaken in relation to the proposed new Planning Tribunal. Judge Kirkpatrick shared a simple but important way members can assist the Court: when filing documents, please bookmark and internally link sections. This small step makes documents much easier to navigate and saves the Court significant time.

Finally, for those with school kids, a reminder that term 1 ends next week. I have no idea how that has rolled around so quickly, but all the very best for the school holiday juggle!

Lauren Wallace, RMLA President