08/04/2005 - A green light
in the form of $6.7 million in funding has
been given to projects to halt salinity, save
endangered ecosystems and maintain water quality
in Queensland over the next three years.
The funding was announced today by Australian
Government Ministers for the Environment and
Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss and Queensland
Ministers for Natural Resources, Stephen Robertson
and Environment, Desley Boyle.
This three-year investment comes from the
Australian Government's $3 billion Natural
Heritage Trust and joint Australian and State
Government funds from the $1.4 billion National
Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.
Senator Campbell said the investment would
go towards activities to improve the condition
and extent of remnant vegetation, and to protect
endangered regional plants, animals and ecosystems.
"On-ground work will aim to achieve
an increase in both the protection and extent
of endangered regional ecosystems, such as
nationally listed Queensland bluegrass and
Brigalow communities, and world heritage listed
rainforest," he said.
"Taking care of these ecosystems is
vital as the region has a complex mosaic of
habitats and species containing 2000 plants
types and 500 animal species."
Mr Truss said the region boasted 1.5 million
hectares of rich agricultural land, and that
the funding would assist land managers to
improve soil, weed and pest management.
"Investment from the National Action
Plan and the Trust of over $950,000 will be
used to put in place improved industry practices,
such as reducing the risk of run-off damage
and better cropping and grazing practices,"
he said.
Ms Boyle said: "The Murray Darling is
our largest inland waterway".
"It is important we all work together
to reduce the risk of salinity damage to land,
water and infrastructure like roads and bridges,"
she said.
Mr Robertson said other activities would
tackle issues such as sustainable water use,
covering both surface and groundwater.
"Water is a major priority because some
of the region's greatest assets include the
Condamine River, about 70 recorded wetlands,
12 major dams and the Great Artesian Basin,
and over $912,000 over three years will go
directly to improving these areas" he
said.
The Ministers congratulated all of the groups
involved in developing the investment strategy,
and said they were looking forward to the
results of on-ground activities.
