PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER 78/ 94
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. KEATING MP
NEW LANDCARE PROJECTS FUNDED
More than 700 new community environment projects are to be funded under
the Federal Government's National Landcare Program.
The $ 5 million in grants which will be funded under the Land and Water, One
Billion Trees and Save the Bush elements of the National Landcare Program,
will make it possible for communities to make a significant contribution to
repairing the land.
Land degradation is one of our most serious national environmental
problems. But this is an area where there is an historic alliance between
farming and conservation groups and between all levels of government in
support of a common aim.
Of the total funding $ 2.5 million has been allocated to Land and Water
projects, almost $ 1 million to the One Billion Trees and $ 1.5 million to Save
the Bush.
The projects have been recommended by State and Territory Assessment
Panels which are made up of community, state and local government
representatives.
The remainder of the grants under the $ 112 million Landcare program in
1994/ 95 are allocated to joint Commonwealth/ State projects and research
activities. Senator Collins will announce further details today of the $ 72.95
million grants for new and continuing projects under the land and water
elements of Landcare.
The National Landcare Program is a catalyst for mobilising information, skills
and resources to improve the capacity of all land holders to manage their
land in an economically viable and environmentally sustainable manner.
The Government has committed more than $ 420 million during the Decade of
Landcare ( 1990-2000) for Landcare and related tree planting and remnant
vegetation conservation programs.
NARROMINE, NSW
24 AUGUST 1994