[Greens-Media] Garrett plan all gloss and no substance - Greens

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Garrett plan all gloss and no substance - Greens
Friday 28th November 2008

The Australian Greens today dismissed the release of the long-awaited
Business Plan for Caring for Our Country as 'all gloss and no
substance'.

"This is a very shallow and disappointing effort from Environment
Minister Peter Garrett," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"It shows a total lack of direction and planning for how to address
Australia's serious Natural Resource Management (NRM) issues. This is 94
pages of glossy photos and statements, with very little detail on
project planning, integration and assessment."

"What we need is to build on the achievements of the Natural Heritage
Trust and Landcare. What we have got instead is a significant step
backwards - and a 'business plan' which is little more than a series of
vague inspirational statements and press releases," said Senator
Siewert.

"In the meantime we are losing the capacity and commitment in the bush
as experienced staff and volunteers walk away and farmers turn their
backs on a Government that has lost touch with their aspirations. NRM
organisations have been gutted and their long-term plans and
co-investment strategies dumped."

"As a result, Caring for Our Country will not be able to deliver on its
soil conservation and sustainable farming aspirations - which is
probably why their targets refer entirely to people 'involved' rather
than real on-the-ground outcomes. This 94 page press release is not
enough," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180