7/7/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance has announced the appointment of an independent consultant to ensure the delivery of regional Natural Resource Management in Western Australia empowers communities and delivers targeted outcomes.
“Across WA six regional NRM groups between them will ultimately be administering the expenditure of up to $400million of public funds,” Mr Chance said.
“It is important, therefore, to assess how the community can be engaged to make sure that the State's natural resource outcomes are achieved in an efficient and effective manner, with proper accountability.”
Mr Chance said the appointment of consultant Stuart Hicks was aimed at ensuring that NRM groups received appropriately qualified support to deliver the high level of Commonwealth and State Government financial reporting obligations.
“The NRM groups are regional organisations whose expertise is in ‘on the ground’ natural resource management,” he said.
“Mr Hicks has been appointed based on his experience in senior government positions and in undertaking reviews of government organisations to examine the existing arrangements and to recommend any changes.”
In addition to consulting closely with the regional groups, Mr Hicks will review organisational and governance frameworks currently in place in other States, consult with the NRM Council, WA Local Government Association, WAFarmers, Pastoralists and Graziers Association, the Conservation Council of WA and other relevant groups.
“The aim is to develop a structure which can deliver the best possible results in engaging the community groups as the driving force behind the protection of WA’s unique environment,” Mr Chance said.
“The Gallop Government is ensuring regional WA receives its fair share.”
Minister's office: 9213 6700
