It's no secret that the MidCoast is rich in natural treasures - from the world heritage listed rainforests of Barrington Tops National Park, to shorebirds that visit us from Alaska each year; our very own endangered turtle, stunning waterways, coastlines, forests and mountains.

All of this biodiversity plays a vital role in supporting the local community's well-being. It provides clean air and water, healthy soils, wild places, recreational opportunities, supports our economy and provides us with the lifestyles we love.

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"Our community nominated the natural environment as one of five core values in our Community Strategic Plan, so it's important we have the tools in place to manage, conserve and restore our natural heritage into the future", council's Paul de Szell said.

"A plan for biodiversity is needed more than ever, with increasing pressures on our natural environment, including drought, fire and floods."

It has been developed with input from a range of stakeholders, special interest groups and the community during a consultation phase last year.

The draft framework acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal custodianship and culture knowledge through practices such as cultural burning, and addresses community priorities such as supporting private land conservation, wildlife corridor strategies, education and awareness, building resilience and nature-based recreation. It will complement a suite of other plans including the Climate Change Policy, Rural and Greening Strategies, and Catchment and Estuary plans.

Input on the draft framework can be provided by taking a short on-line poll, completing a longer survey or making a submission, before the feedback period closes on Tuesday, June 8 2021.

To find out more about biodiversity in our region, view the draft Biodiversity Framework, and to have your say, visit www.haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au.

You can also attend drop-in sessions during the exhibition period to have your say in person:

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