28/6/05
The State Government has underlined its commitment to a community partnership in Natural Resource Management (NRM) with the announcement of $1.25million in core funding to regional NRM groups.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today presented each of the five groups with a cheque for $250,000 from the State Government to support their work in combating salinity and protecting the environment.
“The State Government is committed to the regional management model and that is why we are contributing these funds to each regional group to ensure they have the capacity to oversee on ground investment,” Mr Chance said.
“Local people know their areas best and can make the biggest contribution to the management of natural resources.
“The State Government is committed to sustainability and to protecting Western Australia’s unique landscape and the regional groups will play a vital role in that.”
The regional groups have been empowered under agreements between the State and Commonwealth Governments to develop and implement strategies for protecting and enhancing WA’s natural resources including our land, water, biodiversity, coastal and marine assets.
“These strategies will provide blueprints for further State and Commonwealth investment to ensure the protection and sustainable management of these assets,” the Minister said.
The five councils to receive funding are the Avon Catchment Council, Northern Agricultural Catchment Council, South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team, Swan Catchment Council and the South West Catchments Council. Funding for the Rangelands region will follow the endorsement of an investment plan for the area, which is anticipated later this year.
“The Gallop Government is committed to protecting and enhancing WA’s unique lifestyle and environment,” Mr Chance said.
Minister's office: 9213 6700
