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 ChrisTwomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert@aph.gov.au | http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au
