21/10/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today announced a $3.1million boost to combat salinity and protect the environment in the State’s northern agricultural region.
Mr Chance said the funding was part of the State’s contribution of $158million to the National Action Plan for Salinity and was given to the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council (NACC) to support their work in the region.
The joint package with the Commonwealth Government adds up to $8million for 2005-06 for a range of activities to protect the northern agricultural region’s unique environment.
In Greenough today, the Minister said the NACC’s Natural Resource Management Strategy and Investment Plan showed the community partnership in NRM, a joint arrangement with the Commonwealth Government, was delivering results.
“Projects such as the Chapman River Catchment Integrated Management Project and efforts to protect river foreshores in the northern agricultural region show what can be achieved at a local level,” Mr Chance said.
A combination of research projects and practical action such as fencing and the trialling of new plant species would all contribute to the environmental wellbeing of the region.
"Efforts by groups like the NACC show that local people know their areas best and can make the biggest contribution to the management of natural resources,” the Minister said.
"The State Government is committed to sustainability and to protecting Western Australia's unique landscape and the regional groups play a vital role in that.
"These strategies will provide blueprints for further State and Commonwealth investment to ensure the protection and sustainable management of these assets.”
In all, five councils are receiving funding across WA and they include:
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," the Minister said.
Mr Chance was joined in Greenough today by Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, Senator Ian Campbell, and the NACC group, including chair Elizabeth Eaton.
Minister's office: 9213 6700
