BLIGH BUDGET PROVIDES CERTAINTY FOR NRM GROUPS WITH $17.2M IN FUNDING

The Bligh Government’s first State Budget has provided $17.2 million in 2008-09 to continue regional natural resource management programs across Queensland after federal funding arrangements changed in March.

Acting Natural Resources and Water Minister Warren Pitt said regional natural resource management (NRM) groups had gained certainty for the future of their programs under the new funding.

“The Federal Caring for our Country program replaced the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and the Natural Heritage Trust programs, which cease on June 30, 2008,” Mr Pitt said.

“Some regional groups were concerned for their future after these new arrangements were announced.

“However, the Queensland Government will commit $17.2 million to an interim arrangement for continuing a regional NRM program in 2008–09.

“The interim arrangements will provide certainty for staff and for ongoing management of contracts and projects in the regions.”

Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government was committed to continuing in partnership with the Federal Government to deliver regional NRM programs.

“My department will deliver a complementary program of state investment to align with the new program, with a focus on state NRM priorities,” he said.

“These funds will augment federal payments to regional bodies under Caring for our Country, as well as providing potential additional funds from the competitive component of the new program.

“This will ensure that Queensland regional NRM bodies are able to continue operating and delivering outcomes during 2008–09.”

Mr Pitt said the federal and state governments would negotiate a bilateral agreement for co-operatively delivering the new program in Queensland, together with a complementary program of state investment, until the end of June 2013.

Media enquiries: Paul Childs, Office of the Minister for Natural Resources and Water, 0407 131 654