Davies encourages applications for State NRM funding, Mia Davies.
Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 16-November-2009
Member for the Agricultural Region Mia Davies today urged grassroots and community organisations to apply for State Government funds to undertake important work to protect and enhance our natural resources.
Ms Davies said Agriculture Minister Terry Redman recently announced $5 million for community and regional natural resource management groups, recognising these groups can deliver effective programs that make a real difference.
"Projects like tackling salinity, combating erosion, protecting threatened species and eradicating pests and weeds are being undertaken every day by passionate local people who intimately understand the environment and natural resources in their region," Ms Davies said. "Unfortunately, many of these smaller groups that do such important work have seen a reduction in funding recently. The Commonwealth Government has changed the way it funds NRM – ceasing NRM funding in partnership with the State Government and reducing funding for Western Australia by about $40 million a year."
"This means NRM funding for WA has dropped from $100–$110 million a year between 2005/06 and 2007/08 to $80 million this financial year and will likely be about $55 million next year. "These changes to Commonwealth funding have lead the State Government to reassess where State NRM funds are directed."
Minister Redman announced the five priority areas that the State Government has set for NRM projects in WA – biodiversity, biosecurity, water quality, integration of NRM with planning and climate change adaptation. Community groups can apply for grants of between $5000 and $250,000 to undertake projects that address these priority areas and ultimately, protect and improve WA’s natural assets.
$20.4 million has already been allocated this year from the State Government for larger NRM projects and the Minister has said he expects to see much of these bigger projects delivered by community groups in partnership with government departments. "I am very keen to see community NRM groups directly involved with these larger projects and will be watching closely to ensure this happens," Ms Davies said.
