[Stock & Land, 05 May 2011, Page: 44, by Federal Minister Joe Ludwig] -- THE Gillard Government is investing $2 billion over five years through the Caring for our Country (C4oC) initiative to achieve environments that are healthy, better protected and support sustainable production in a changing climate. The first phase of C4oC is due to be completed by the end of June 2013, and the government is conducting a review into the effectiveness of the current C4oC program and options for the future.
This is a major area of investment for the Australian Government and is of significant interest to communities and land managers across the country as it comprises critical areas such as pests and weeds, sustainable agriculture, Landcare, Coastcare and biodiversity conservation.
In my meetings with community groups, fishers, farmers and other land managers across the country, it is clear their interest in this area remains strong. Recently, with my colleagues, Environment Minister, Tony Burke, and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mike Kelly, I announced a package of measures under C4oC that will help drive the recovery of Australia’s natural resources in the aftermath of the recent natural disasters.
Regional natural resource management groups in disaster affected areas nationwide have received $4.9 million for environmental recovery work, including the restoration of wildlife corridors, removal of debris and weed and pest control. Another $1.35m has been given to Conservation Volunteers Australia to assist Natural Resource Management groups in severely impacted areas with their engagement and management of volunteers. This important work will help address the impacts of flooding, bushfires and Cyclone Yasi on our local ecosystems and complements the C4oC program in protecting our environment.
Landcare has played an important role in this area for more than 21 years, but we need your thoughts about how best to approach the future. Your views, ideas and suggestions are important in helping to shape future Australian Government support for natural resource management.
The government has initiated an online forum at caringforourcountry review.com.au so people can take part in a public discussion about C4oC what you think works well, what we can do better, or completely new ideas. In this forum you can air your views and experiences, contribute to existing discussions, catch up with community or industry partners, and find out what others are saying about the program.
Formal submissions can also be emailed to thereview@nrm.gov.au. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and have your say about the government’s future delivery of environmental and sustainable agriculture programs. Submissions to the C4oC review close on the 20 May2011. For more information visit nrm.gov.au or contact (1800) 552 008.
Minister Joe Ludwig with Darwin Aquaculture Centre aquaculture manager, Dr Ann Fleming.
