[Greens-Media] Gippsland Landcare outlook looks grim

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Gippsland Landcare outlook looks grim
Wednesday 23rd April 2008

The Australian Greens today expressed concerns over the impact the
Federal Government's recent proposal, Caring for Our Country will have
to the Gippsland Landcare network. In Melbourne today, Senator Rachel
Siewert said changes to funding for land management programs could have
the potential to undermine local initiatives.
 
"The Greens believe there is a need for an over-arching, science based
approach to natural resource management and conservation. The effect of
Minister Garrett's plans on funding will be to spread the vegemite even
thinner," said Senator Siewert.
 
"It undermines regional NRM groups and catchment management
organisations and returns to the bad old days of direct funding of
individuals and groups for short-term projects. This is a backward step
for the environment." 
 
"There must be landscape-scale planning and the need to truly involve
the community including long time frames. We must tackle the major
problems that are having huge impacts on the environment."
 
"In Gippsland, the Landcare community has moved to this type of 'big
picture' planning with the formation of GippsLandcare, a unique group of
the four Landcare Networks in West Gippsland. Projects are being
developed to address the larger landscape and match projects across
Landcare boundaries," she said.

"In speaking with members of the Gippsland community, one of their major
concerns about the proposed Federal Government changes is the possible
loss of Landcare staff who bring their unique local and scientific
skills to their community."


"It is important that we learn from our past mistakes in funding small
one year projects and that the government develops goals for a
well-planned over-all approach to Natural Resource Management and
conservation," she said.

"The Greens are insisting on a proper strategy to make best use of
funding, expertise, experience and community for the greatest good of
our landscape and catchments," she concluded.
 
For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au