I am delighted to announce today a further $18m investment in
restoring Australia's natural environment.
The projects I announce today will help revitalise our river systems,
restore our agricultural lands and coastal environment and reverse
erosion.
This is another instalment from the $1.25 billion Natural Heritage
Trust, the largest coordinated investment in the environment in Australia's
history.
Our primary industries are closely linked with our environment. A
degraded environment will lead to lower production, lower regional
growth and lower regional employment.
It is important to get the right balance between production and the
environment and this is what lies at the heart of the Natural Heritage
Trust.
The Natural Heritage Trust is an important element in the Government's
determination to rebuild regional Australia. Just as the Commonwealth
is investing in regional infrastructure to support growth, so too
we are investing in the environment and sustainable agriculture to
support regional growth and employment.
(A breakdown of funding across all States is available from Primary
Industries and Energy Minister, John Anderson's Office.)
16 April 1998