Natural State was established in 2002 by Matthew Rose. The business was originally based in the Murraylands of South Australia, offering on-ground conservation & land management and environmental education services.

 

Demand for the services quickly led to a strong business requiring a small team of dedicated staff. In 2007, Natural State recieved the
SA Great - Regional Award for the Riverland and Murraylands region, under the Science and Sustainability category - awarded for outstanding achievements and significant contributions demonstrating excellence in regional leadership.

 

We relocated to the North West region of Tasmania in 2009 after the birth of our son. We chose the North West coast as it offers great opportunities for our family to create a lifestyle based on sustainable living principles. Our 20 hectare property, inland from Ulverstone, consists of wet Eucalyptus obliqua forest, and is situated on the bank of the Leven River. We manage our property for multiple purposes, for conservation and sustainable recreation. 

 

Between 2009-2013 we both worked for Cradle Coast NRM where we designed and managed several unique natural resource management programs, and initiated internal quality and safety management systems. We committed to ensuring that our projects not only delivered tangible environmental outcomes, but could be assessed objectively as accountable, transparent and an efficient use of public money.

 

Natural State commenced operating on a full-time basis again in early 2013. 

 

Here are some examples of how we have invested in practical solutions for our home and business to reduce our environment impacts:

 

• Powering our house and business with an 'off grid' renewable energy system - 1.75Kw solar panels, 6Kva inverter, 48V battery bank and 12Kva generator.
   

• Harvesting rainwater for water consumption - 140,000L / year consumption, 90,000L storage capacity.
   

• Recycling most of our business & household waste - < 1,500L of waste per year sent to the local resource recovery transfer station.
   

• Retrofitting our house for energy efficiency - low wattage appliances, double glazing, water jacket, R5 insulation and sealing.
   

• Reducing consumption of materials and energy - our average energy consumption is 2Kw / day, firewood consumption 14m3 per year.

 

• Protecting and managing our forest sustainably through a Land for Wildlife covenant - to support local biodiversity.
   

• Monitoring our effects and aiming to continually improve performance through an ISO:14001 Environmental Management System.
   

• Aspiring to the principles of a Future-Fit Business - assessing non-financial business performance to close the sustainability gap. 

 

We will continue to implement further improvements, particularly in relation to food production and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from transport, generator use and heating. 

Matt developed an interest in the natural world from a young age, having grown up on small acreage in the South Australian mallee. 

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In 2000, he was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year Award within the Coorong District Council (SA), in recognition of local volunteer revegetation and environmental education work. 

 

Matt possesses tertiary qualifications in Conservation & Land Management, Natural Resource Management and Horticulture. 
He is currently studying Environmental Management.

 

Matt manages the business operations of Natural State. 

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Matt is passionate about contributing towards positive social change in his local community and leading by example when it comes to environmental management.

 

He’s a proud Port Adelaide Football Club supporter!

Karina was raised and educated in suburban western Sydney. She moved to South Australia for a job in Natural Resources Management and was soon 'converted' to the rural lifestyle after living and working in regional Australia. 

 

Karina possesses tertiary qualifications in Science and Environmental Education, and has worked in the NRM field for 15 years.

 

She specialises in sustainability education, grant writing, project management, research and report writing, administration, marketing, and social media.

 

Karina is also a 'maker', often found knitting and sewing handmade items. She also likes to paint and play the piano.

 

Together, Matt and Karina raise their son, enjoying their bushland block, and making some serious LEGO!