The Coalition’s commitment to invest more than $1 billion in the National Landcare Programme across five years has been lauded by Natural Resource Management (NRM) leader, NRM Regions Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, and Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, made the joint announcement as part of the Coalition’s budget announcement on 9 May.
“We want to thank and congratulate Ministers Joyce and Frydenberg for securing this funding for natural resource management and the environment,” said Jim Sullivan, acting Chair of NRM Regions Australia, the collective of 56 regional NRM organisations Australia-wide, and Chair of Wheatbelt NRM.
“We’re excited to see natural resource management be recognised and valued for its role in helping to conserve our land and water, manage pests and protect Australia’s unique plants and animals.”
Regional investment was also flagged as integral to effective natural resource management delivery and ensuring practical and tangible results.
“NRM regional organisations make sure on-ground works deliver the results governments want to see,” said Jim. “We will be doing our part to ensure this new investment has a big impact.”
Details of the priorities, allocations and programs are yet to be determined.
“There are some great potential new projects our colleagues across NRM have identified such as building international collaborations; managing big data; implementing bio-control innovations to manage pests and weeds; and supporting regional industry development,” said Jim.
“We’re excited to get started and support the government’s consultation process on the shape of the new National Landcare Programme.”
“We are happy that the federal government recognise the importance of this funding and the impact all NRM’s are having across Australia.” said Natarsha Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Wheatbelt NRM.
"Last year Wheatbelt NRM coordinated 40,000 ha of feral animal control across the Wheatbelt."
"Wheatbelt NRM has provided $150,000 of funding to help farmers manage nutrient use efficiency, amongst many other initiatives." said Natarsha.
This funding will further ensure Wheatbelt NRM can support its community to create healthy environments and livelihoods in the Avon River Basin.”