Outcome:	1 	Question No:	49	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	Executive Policy/Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority	
Topic:	Green Zone Convictions	
Hansard Page ECITA:	66, 28 May 2008 Hansard 	

Senator Ian Macdonald asked:
Can I just quote the Townsville Bulletin of 19 October 2007. It states:

... the then Labor Party Shadow Minister said that an elected Labor Government would be sympathetic to overturning the records of the 324 fishermen convicted for the offence. The then shadow minister, Senator Kerry O’Brien, said: This is about correcting the initial mistake and we would take the bipartisan position on that.

That was then taken by the people of Northern Queensland—those who were affected by this—to mean that the Labor Party, if elected, would honour the commitment made by the shadow minister, in the same way as the then government had committed to ensure those convictions were either pardoned or overturned by legislation. Minister, could you indicate whether that pre-election promise will be honoured by your government? 

Answer:
There has been consideration of the issues associated with the conviction of 116 recreational fishers for illegal fishing in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park between 1 July 2004 (the date the current zoning plan came into effect) and 16 December 2006 (the date infringement notices became generally available for recreational fishing offences).

The issuing of an infringement notice is discretionary. It remains the case that fishing in areas of the Marine Park closed to fishing is a criminal offence. Illegal fishers can be prosecuted, issued a warning or issued an infringement notice.

In the period between the time the current zoning plan took effect in July 2004 and the introduction of the infringement notice scheme, 116 recreational fishers were convicted of fishing illegally in the Marine Park, all of whom pleaded guilty. The vast majority of people caught, over 400, were let off with a warning.

The introduction of enforcement mechanisms such as infringement notice schemes is quite common as governments seek innovative, flexible and efficient ways of securing compliance with the law. This often results in particular forms of offence being enforced through different means before and after regulatory reforms. 

This approach is consistent with a fundamental principle of our criminal justice system that persons committing an offence should be dealt with in accordance with the law that exists at the time the offence is committed.

The circumstance is not unique to regulation of the Great Barrier Reef and there are no other examples of similar reforms in other areas that involved the revisiting of past enforcement action.

Based on these considerations, action to overturn or quash convictions has not been supported.

It remains open to convicted persons to apply to the Attorney-General for a pardon, although pardons are rarely granted and only in limited circumstances.

The Spent Convictions Scheme established under the Crimes Act 1914 provides that convictions are “spent” – that is, they cannot be used as a basis for discriminating against a person – after a period of 10 years, provided the person has not re-offended in the interim. 

Outcome:	1	Question No:	84	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	NRMPD	
Topic	Caring for our Country – programs and investments	
Hansard Page ECITA:	5 (29 May) 	

Senator Siewert asked:
Could you provide us with a list of who is on the expert panel [for determining the investment framework for Caring for our Country]?

Answer:
Ms Rankin noted in her response to Senator Siewert on 29 May 2008 that “I am not sure whether we are going to finalise it as a separate group called an expert panel, or just try to contact as many experts as we can and bring them together to assist us in different phases of the process”.

During the determination of the 2008‑09 base-level and transitional allocation funding to natural resource management regional bodies, the Government consulted with state and territory officials and regional chairs and chief executive officers.  

Outcome:	1	Question No:	85	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	NRMPD	
Topic:	Caring for our Country – funding of programs 	
Hansard Page ECITA:	13 (29 May) 	

Senator Birmingham asked:
Could you please undertake to provide the figure of how much is committed to those ongoing programs – we have detailed all the other election commitment related ones – and then what the remaining figures under forward estimates for the program are?

Answer:
The forward estimates for Caring for our Country are:
2008-09 ($m)	2009-10 ($m)	2010-11 ($m)	2011-12 ($m)	2012-13 ($m)	Total ($m)	
428.18	440.10	465.70	453.40	459.30	2246.80	

Within Caring for our Country’s total allocation of $2246.80 million over five years, there is funding of $711 million to regional bodies, election commitments of $487.25 million and the Government has announced funding of $180 million to the National Reserve System. 

In the transitional year of 2008‑09 there is a range of activities which were previously funded that will continue to be supported to assist with transition, including key projects such as the Ghost Nets and Tramp Ant projects, World Heritage activities and support for some networks, such as Weeds of National Significance and the Threatened Species Network.

Outcome:	1	Question No:	86	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	NRMPD	
Topic:	Caring for our Country – funding of programs 	
Hansard Page ECITA:	13 (29 May) 	

Senator Siewert asked:
The diagram that I talked about earlier—and Senator Birmingham touched on before—about how all the different programs are fitting together: if you have that or have prepared that in of the future, that would be extremely useful, so we get an idea where all the money and programs fit in. That would be useful.

Answer:  
A clear explanation of the relationships between the various components of Caring for our Country will be incorporated within the internet-based and other information being developed for the initiative.  To ensure the completeness of this material, it will be made available when the first Caring for our Country Business Plan is announced in September 2008.

Outcome:	1	Question No:	88	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	NRMPD	
Topic:	Tamar Estuary	
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice 	

Senator Abetz asked:
(a)	What funds has the Australian Government committed in the past to the Tamar River Estuary since 1996? Please itemise.
(b)	Do any of these funds remain to be expended? Please detail.
(c)	If any funds remain, when do they expire?
(d)	Who made the decision not to proceed with funding for the $200,000 Tamar River siltation study?
(e)	Who was consulted in making this decision?
(f)	Does the Australian Government fund siltation studies and works in other parts of Australia? Please list.

Answers:
(a), (b) & (c). 

Funds committed to the Tamar River Estuary since 1996 include:  

2006-2009:  $465,000 funding from the Australian Government through NRM North 2006-08 Regional Investment Plan, for Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers program;  
This funding is for; 
a)	Investment of $260,000 for developing a sediment model for the Tamar Catchment to investigate the processes, causes, and fate of sediments entering the Tamar Estuary from the upper catchments. This project will continue to June 2009.
b)	Investment of $130,000 for implementing a control program for the pest fish Gambusia holbrooki (mosquito fish) in the Tamar Estuary.  Funds to be expended by June 30 2008.
c)	Investment of $75,000 for developing a “Management Plan for the Natural Values of the Tamar Estuary”.  Funds to be expended by June 30 2008.

2003-2009: $3.3 million funding in response to a 2003 election promise of the previous government to replace a line of existing rotting piling with new piles in the Tamar River. The original agreement was to expire in August 2006, but an extension of time due to various difficulties in delivery was granted until August 2008.  Costs have escalated to $3.5 million with the gap being funded by the Launceston City Council.  

2003-06: $45,900 research project aimed at collecting ecological information to provide baseline data for monitoring the Tamar ecosystem to contribute to the development of future management strategies for the Estuary.  The funds are fully expended.	 

1998-1999: $100,000 for Tamar Estuary 2020 – Implementing the Perfect Vision.  The funds are fully expended.

1998-1999: $4,951 for a Regional Management Plan for Conservation of Eagles in the Tamar River Estuary.  The funds are fully expended.

1998-1999: $42,000 for Tamar Valley Community Catchment Program.  The funds are fully expended.

1997-1998: $8,000 for the conservation of Tamar Estuary Eagles. The funds are fully expended.

1996-97:  $8,600 for Bayview Tamar River Forest/Foreshore Fencing Project. The funds are fully expended.

(d) & (e)

Launceston Council has made representations to the Minister seeking $200,000 to fund a study on the best means of dealing with siltation in the Upper Tamar River area.  These requests have been made outside processes put in place under Caring for our Country for the allocation of funds.  

Unlike the previous program where funding was provided to a wide range of unconnected projects, Caring for our Country has six defined national priority areas, each with clear decision-making processes for investment.  Competitive funding rounds have already commenced under a number of the priority areas.  Council is being advised that if they think that the Tamar siltation study fits the funding criteria against priority areas, and where an invitation for projects has been made, that they are welcome to submit an application for funding through the proper process.  The Minister is advising Council of this opportunity based on the advice of the Department.

(f) An initial search indicates that of the over twenty thousand projects funded across Australia, ninety one of these may relate to siltation studies and works.  The list of these projects is attached.

NHT1 Siltation Projects Australia Wide

	State	Title	APPROVE	
1.		NSW	Re-establishment of Native Vegetation and Reduce Siltation of Bourbin Catchment	     15,000 	
2.		NSW	Fords Creek Salt Silt and Native Vegetation	     25,700 	
3.		NSW	Dunville Loop Hillside erosion Control and Repair	       6,600 	
4.		NSW	Wonboyne Lake Foreshore Restoration and Boardwalk	     17,400 	
5.		NSW	Termeil Lake Foreshore Restoration Project	       1,800 	
6.		NSW	Tuggerah Lakes Wetlands and Buffer Strip Rehabilitation	     23,082 	
7.		NSW	Installation of GPI's (Gross Pollutant Interceptors) with GPT's (Gross Pollutant Traps).	   140,000 	
8.		NSW	Prevention of Sedimentation and Erosion of the Cooks Vale Creek Catchment	       1,230 	
9.		NSW	Nandewar Landcare Catchment Plan Implementation	     14,400 	
10.		NSW	Groundwater Discharge Creek and Gully Erosion Control Program	     66,779 	
11.		NSW	Implementation of Catchment Action Plan - Eugowra North	     43,599 	
12.		NSW	Rehabilitation of Swampy Plains Creek	     31,636 	
13.		NSW	Morses Creek Erosion Control Works and Bank Stabilisation	       3,625 	
14.		NSW	Tarcutta Creek Catchment Gully Management	     39,200 	
15.		NSW	Burrell Creek Stabilisation Revegetation Headwaters	     10,250 	
16.		NSW	Flaggy Creek Sedimentation Control and Revegetation Enhancement Program	       6,350 	
17.		NSW	BOZO Streambank Erosion and Waterway Siltation Control and Vegetation Reestablishment/Conservation	       6,650 	
18.		NSW	Balala Brushgrove Upper Gwydir Tributaries Erosion Control Works	       4,200 	
19.		NSW	Warialda Creeks Stabilisation and Revegetation Project	     21,050 	
20.		NSW	Salinity Abatement Demonstration and Flowline Restoration Program	     20,000 	
21.		NSW	Rocky Creek Stream Management Project - Rivercare Plan Implementation Stage III	       7,400 	
22.		NSW	Goorianawa Project Part Two: Luana	     18,250 	
23.		NSW	Greenbah Basin Revegetation & Erosion Control Project	     55,777 	
24.		NSW	Upper Colo Gully Control and Regeneration	     99,750 	
25.		NSW	Stream Bank Stabilisation Murringo Creek at Sharron Valley	       9,303 	
26.		NSW	Erosion Control and Revegetation Project	     42,240 	
27.		NSW	Gully Erosion Project	     12,690 	
28.		NSW	Erosion Control Program for Catchment Sustainability	       5,264 	
29.		NSW	Upper Timbumburi Wildlife Corridor and Gully Erosion Control	     68,922 	
30.		NSW	Erosion Control to Help Protect the Integrity of the Aberfoyle River	     19,500 	
31.		NSW	Bank Restoration Erosion Control Revegetation - Taylors Arm River	       8,350 	
32.		NSW	Erosion Prevention, Repair and Rehabilitation	     38,450 	
33.		NSW	Stock Crossing Kimbriki Creek\Restoration of Creek Banks\Siltation Prevention Mid River	       4,800 	
34.		NSW	Reestablishment of Native Vegetation and Reduction of Siltation of Bourbin Catchment Stage II	     14,600 	
35.		QLD	Moresby River Catchment Rehabilitation Stage 2	     17,000 	
36.		QLD	Maroochy River Conservation Park - Rehabilitation Plan	     15,490 	
37.		QLD	Sustainable Land Management in the Mungallala Creek Catchment	     58,500 	
38.		QLD	Sustainable Land Management in the Basalt Creek Catchment	     16,700 	
39.		QLD	Implementing the Myall Creek Action Plan (Phase 2)	   102,800 	
40.		QLD	Seagrass Habitat, Issues, and Management - Great Sandy Region	   150,000 	
41.		QLD	Community Seagrass - Watch and Protection Program - Whitsunday Region	   200,668 	
42.		QLD	Callide-Kroombit Catchment Project	   133,185 	
43.		QLD	Boonah Landcare Gully Erosion Control in Grazing Land (NLP)	   262,567 	
44.		QLD	Improved grazing Management and Catchment protection in the Mingela, Ravenswood District	   110,709 	
45.		QLD	Upper Johnstone Revegetation Project Stage 3	     34,550 	
46.		QLD	Mid Warrego Pasture Regeneration	     22,200 	
47.		QLD	Improved Grazing Management and Catchment protection in the Mingela, Ravenswood District	   115,000 	
48.		QLD	Upper Johnstone Revegetation Project Stage 3 Extension	     58,600 	
49.		QLD	Upper Johnstone - MUJCLA support component	     59,060 	
50.		QLD	Rehabilitation of the Jordon River at Jericho	       4,057 	
51.		QLD	North Johnstone River Stabilisation and Riparian Vegetation Reinstatement	     41,900 	
52.		QLD	Protect Waterholes and Creek Flats Lower Erounghoola Creek	     21,300 	
53.		QLD	Barron Falls Embankment Stabilization	       2,500 	
54.		QLD	Babinda State School Creek Revegetation Project - 2 year project (Oct 97)	          900 	
55.		SA	Bunyip Hollow Revegetation Project	     27,706 	
56.		SA	Regreen The Range - Stage 2	   100,000 	
57.		SA	Bucks Bay/ Carpenter Rocks Erosion Control	       8,578 	
58.		SA	Regreen The Range - Stage 2	     50,000 	
59.		SA	Reedy Creek Lagoon Rehabilitation	       3,475 	
60.		SA	Restoration And Management Of Murrundi Reserve Wetland	     11,000 	
61.		SA	Sustainable Farming Practices in the Regional District of Goyder	   308,104 	
62.		SA	Regreen The Range - Stage 2	   150,000 	
63.		SA	Inman River Catchment Bush Corridor and River Restoration	     32,906 	
64.		TAS	Lauderdale Constructed Wetlands Project for Stormwater Quality Treatment	   155,080 	
65.		TAS	Fish Life Restoration Through Reef Habitat Development	       5,795 	
66.		TAS	Landslip Restoration and Rehabilitation - Kimberley	       3,540 	
67.		TAS	Exton Riverside Care and Stabilisation Project	   132,000 	
68.		TAS	Development and Implementation of an Integrated Catchment Management Plan for the New Town Rivulet Catchment	   102,389 	
69.		VIC	Stream Improvement Works - Upper Murray Catchment 	     33,500 	
70.		VIC	Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee	     26,300 	
71.		VIC	Coogoorah Park Revegetation and Estuary Protection	       3,688 	
72.		VIC	Stoney Creek regeneration project Stage 2	     10,000 	
73.		VIC	Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Plan Phase 2 (implemention)	   410,000 	
74.		VIC	Accelerating Stream Health Programs - Broken Creek Catchment	     30,000 	
75.		VIC	Acceleration of the Lower Goulburn Integrated River Health Works Program	     30,000 	
76.		VIC	Strategy for Arresting Lake Colac Degradation	     68,350 	
77.		VIC	Wimmera River Sub Catchment Management	     17,600 	
78.		WA	Chittowurrup Catchment Group Corridor Protection Plan	     31,900 	
79.		WA	Irwin River Catchment Strategy (NVI)	   113,424 	
80.		WA	Protection of the unique ecosystem of the Cane River Wetland	     15,000 	
81.		WA	Irwin River Catchment Strategy (NLP)	   188,446 	
82.		WA	Sustaining Ecology in York into the Future	   106,600 	
83.		WA	Geographe Bay Catchment: River Foreshore Streamlining Activities (NRC)	   195,818 	
84.		WA	Lake Indoon Catchment Management Group (LICMG) Rehabilitation Project	   118,520 	
85.		WA	Julimar Creek Restoration Project	     23,100 	
	TOTAL	 	 4,844,352 	

NHT2 Siltation Projects Australia Wide

	State	Title	APPROVE	
1.		NSW	Riparian Protection Cedar Party Creek Alan Strahan Property	        4,380 	
2.		NSW	Conservation of Stokers Catchment - Restabilisation of its creek systems	        7,813 	
3.		NSW	Rehabilitation of a Bend in Dumaresq Creek in Armidale	        9,145 	
4.		NSW	Myall Creek Anti-Siltation and Streambank Degradation Project	        8,954 	
5.		NSW	Toorumbee Creek Project Restoration 2003	      27,273 	
6.		NSW	Sediment and erosion control of upper Spicers Creek Catchment Wellington	      11,703 	
7.		NSW	Trungley Hall Erosion and Revegetation Project - Part 2	      23,273 	
8.		NSW	Protecting the Dry Bogan River Bank	      16,910 	
9.		NSW	Seed to Habitat - Drought Response Strategy	      15,935 	
10.		NSW	Drought Guard - Effective Planning and On-Ground Action to Fight Drought	      27,273 	
11.		NSW	Protecting the Vegetation and Creating Corridors on Willowburn Tenterfield	      27,273 	
12.		NSW	Protecting Riparian Zones via On-Farm Water Reticulation	      17,109 	
13.		NSW	Fencing off Mukudgeroo Waterhole on the Cuttaburra	      10,341 	
14.		NSW	Havens Westland and Rainforest Regeneration Project	      28,330 	
15.		NSW	Fencing of River/Creek/Dam to Prevent Erosion & Siltation	        6,202 	
16.		NSW	Engaging Walgett's Indigenous/Non-Indigenous Community in Local Natural Resource Management	      19,727 	
17.		NSW	Return of the Mermaids (Phase 2) - Restoration of the Mermaid Pool Manly Vale	      29,300 	
18.		NSW	Fencing Baradine Creek to Protect Riparian Biodiversity and Exclude Stock	      22,895 	
19.		NSW	Restoring Biodiversity and Habitat along Big Warrambool Creek	      14,686 	
20.		NSW	McKenzies Creek Riparian Zone Protection	        5,636 	
21.		NSW	Borra Creek Restoration and Stock Water at Deervale	      27,847 	
22.		NSW	Repair of Head Waters of the Beardy River	        4,545 	
23.		NSW	Restoration of Native Vegetation Around Crystal Water Lagoons Sapphire Beach	      10,700 	
24.		NSW	Windbreak Extension Replacing Trees Lost During Drought	        5,295 	
25.		NSW	Environmental Water Supply Protection and Catchment Management Adjoining Broken Hill City	      45,455 	
26.		NSW	Water Quality Improvement and Bank Stabilisation on Smiths Creek	        2,143 	
27.		NSW	Dorrigo, Pine Creek Crossing to Stop Siltation and Bank Erosion	      12,805 	
28.		NSW	Revegetation of Riparian Zones on "Alfoxton"	      22,470 	
29.		NSW	Boulders Beach Wetlands Restoration Project Stage 2	      10,867 	
30.		QLD	Mangrove Estuarine Wetland Restoration Project on Padavons Cane Farm	      22,954 	
31.		QLD	Protection of Cobblegun Creek and Adjacent Remnant Areas	      24,493 	
32.		QLD	Reduce Grazing Pressure off Deteriorating Riparian and Mulga Ecosystems	      25,282 	
33.		QLD	Rejuvenation of native pastures north of Morven in South West Queensland	        8,818 	
34.		QLD	Drought Environmental Management	      29,992 	
35.		QLD	Redistributing Cattle away from Hoganthulla and Kennel Creeks Augathella SW Qld	      23,433 	
36.		QLD	Erosion Control on Creek Bank Adjoining School Sporting Field	        2,018 	
37.		QLD	Maintaining Biodiversity and Improving Water Quality Along Brovinia Creek	        6,160 	
38.		QLD	Rehabilitating Waterholes and Wetland on Missen Flat Queensland	        4,386 	
39.		QLD	Managing Tumbleberry Creek Wango Creek and Boran Flat for Sustainability	      14,945 	
40.		QLD	Protecting the Bulloo River from Overgrazing South West Queensland	      12,240 	
41.		QLD	Sustainable Riparian Management in the Lower Balonne Region Queensland	      27,273 	
42.		QLD	Engaging Moola Community in Regenerating the Biodiversity of the Catchment	      12,844 	
43.		QLD	Quilberry Creek and Channels Rehabilitation on "Cooladdi Park" Queensland	      20,953 	
44.		QLD	Bulloo River Flood Plain Protection: South Comongin and Nyngarie SW Queensland	      18,970 	
45.		QLD	Managing and Monitoring Water Quality of the Moola Creek Catchment	      12,709 	
46.		QLD	Fencing off River and Restructuring Watering Points on "Wytara" Qld	      10,934 	
47.		QLD	Soil Conservation and Riparian Management to Regenerate Pastures and the Riparian Zone	      14,844 	
48.		QLD	Desilt Dams on "Hillview" Qld	        7,500 	
49.		QLD	Fencing Murilla Creek and Relocating Water Points	        3,909 	
50.		QLD	Potter's Flat Water and Environment Plan	      28,218 	
51.		QLD	Reducing Erosion Through Water Point Relocation Gin Creek Catchment Kaimkillenbun Qld	      10,932 	
52.		QLD	Increase Water Quality by Reducing Grazing Pressure on Brigalow Country Morven Qld	      27,994 	
53.		QLD	Upper Perrier Gully Siltation Control	        3,109 	
54.		QLD	Water Conservation and Efficiency Gains on the Darling Downs	      22,782 	
55.		QLD	Erosion Regeneration Through Fencing and Temporary Feedlot Surat Qld	      37,740 	
56.		QLD	Improve Health of Threatened Vegetation and Reduce Land Degradation on "Amaroo" Blackall Qld	      33,740 	
57.		QLD	Protection of Resources Through Riparian Management and Erosion Control Southbrook Qld	      14,478 	
58.		QLD	Jarvis Dam Desiltation	        1,803 	
59.		QLD	"Charlotte Plains" Pasture Regeneration and Protection of the Widgeegoara Creek Watershed Through Fencing	      20,645 	
60.		QLD	Soil Conservation and Improved Grazing and Water Management on a Dairy Farm in Laidley Qld	      16,287 	
61.		QLD	Fencing Water and Weed Management of Nottingham Downs Hughenden	      24,358 	
62.		QLD	Reducing Drought Effects Through Temporary Feedlot Monogorilby Qld	      10,779 	
63.		QLD	Desilt Dam and Construct Contour Banks	      12,825 	
64.		QLD	Fence Protected Area - Wildlife Corridor and Control Grazing Cell	        2,382 	
65.		QLD	Fencing to Protect Riparian and Waterway Vegetation on "Bimbimbi" Chinchilla Qld	      10,180 	
66.		QLD	Fencing Improves Biodiversity and Sustainability of Native Pastures at Cunnamulla	      27,265 	
67.		QLD	"St Elmo" Sustainability and Saline Maintenance Project	      12,515 	
68.		QLD	Walker's Creek Desiltation Project	        9,691 	
69.		QLD	Control and Protection of Riparian Zones on Langdale Station	      20,200 	
70.		QLD	Enrichment and Protection of the Riparian Zones on "Glenariff"	      43,091 	
71.		QLD	Management of Land Types and Protection of Riparian Zones on "Gundoo"	      23,536 	
72.		QLD	Riparian Protection and Management of Middle Creek and Cleanskin Creek	      37,955 	
73.		QLD	Canal and Thanes Subcatchment Project	      13,209 	
74.		QLD	Molo Creek Fencing, Erosion and Weed Control, Revegetation North Queensland	      16,609 	
75.		QLD	Watercourse Spelling and Creek Side Restoration at "Moonby Downs"	      34,332 	
76.		QLD	Stawell River Riparian Area Protection Project	      34,509 	
77.		QLD	Woodslake Restoration Project near Burketown, Southern Gulf of Carpentaria	      40,582 	
78.		SA	Old Salt Works Conservation Zone Coastal Erosion and Marine Sediment Stablisation	      17,359 	
79.		TAS	Fencing a Tributary of Orielton Lagoon which is a Ramsar Site	        3,073 	
80.		VIC	Rehabilitation of Remnant Islands around Winjallok	      18,080 	
81.		VIC	Protecting Bendigo/Myers Creeks through Off Stream Watering Points Raywood Victoria	      26,246 	
82.		WA	Restoration of Cohn Creek in the Merredin Townsite Project (Stage 2)	        4,033 	
83.		WA	Lake Indoon Catchment and Management Group Restoration Project	        7,070 	
84.		WA	The Rehabilitation of Lawrence Creek	        8,445 	
85.		WA	Protecting and Preserving Queerearrup Lake	      21,425 	
86.		WA	Preserving the Irwin River and its Tributaries Mingenew WA	      41,089 	
87.		WA	Erosion and Siltation Control in the Jinda's Hill Catchment Western Australia	      25,573 	
88.		WA	Banjelungup Aboriginal Corporation Remnant Vegetation Protection Project	      21,118 	
89.		WA	Jubuk Creek Sustainable Saltland and Nature Reserve Recovery	      38,595 	
90.		WA	Revegetation of Darnminning and Ranford Pool Reserve Boddington	        6,818 	
	 	 TOTAL	 1,611,613 	

Outcome:	1	Question No:	90	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	NRMPD	
Topic:	Caring for our Country	
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice 	

Senator Abetz asked:
(a)	Under the new Labor program, Caring for our Country, can you tell me whether the NRM (Natural Resource Management) regional bodies that we have are going to be maintained in their current format?
(b)	Were the NRM regional bodies consulted about and told of any funding cuts under the new program prior to their implementation?
(c)	Have any NRM bodies made contact with the department or the Minister’s office to indicate that under the new budget they will be operating under their viability threshold?
(d)	Does the department have any sort of estimated figure of the value of leveraged funds (from private enterprise and community groups) lost as a result of the funding cuts to NRM regional bodies?
(e)	Are there going to be any categories for NRM bodies to apply for funding in or will it be one general pool – all projects measured against one another?
(f)	Who will make the final decisions on which body gets the funding from the national pool of money? The Minister, the Department or an independent body?
(g)	Many projects funded through the NHT dealt with fragile ecosystems and threatened species, will there be any way of the Government making sure that these high-priority projects aren’t lost in the national competitive pool?
(h)	Could you also inform me how many projects that were funded through NHT 1 & NHT 2 dealt with threatened species?
(i)	Will there be any funding arrangements in place for NRM regional bodies that engage in works over more than a 12 month period (i.e. will there be any indication of funding for periods greater than 12 months for longer period works)?

Answers:
(a)	The Natural Resource Management regional bodies will continue to receive funding under Caring for our Country.
(b)	Yes.
(c)	As far as the Department is aware, no NRM regional body has made contact with the Department or Ministers’ Burke and Garrett’s offices to indicate that under their new budget they will be operating under their viability threshold.
(d)	No. It is not possible to estimate the value of leveraged funds that NRM regional bodies may potentially be able to obtain in the future.
(e)	The Government will provide NRM regional bodies with a combination of secure base-level funding and specific assistance to help regions adjust to the national investment focus of Caring for our Country.  NRM regional bodies will have the opportunity to bid for additional funding, on a competitive basis, from within the overall allocation for Caring for our Country.
(f)	Decisions on all Caring for our Country funding will be made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. All proposals received in response to calls for funding will be assessed by assessment panels before being provided to Ministers for decision.
(g)	Fragile ecosystems and threatened species will be addressed under the Biodiversity and natural icons priority for Caring for our Country.  The outcomes and targets for all six Caring for our Country priorities are being developed, and these will guide investment decisions under the initiative.
(h)	More than 900 projects were funded through NHT1 and NHT2 dealing with threatened species.
(i)	The initial Caring for our Country Business Plan will be released in September 2008.  The Business Plan will incorporate a range of delivery approaches, including multi-year investments involving regional bodies and other proponents.   

Outcome:	1 and 3	Question No:	91	
Output:	1.2 and 3.1	
Division/Agency:	NRMPD/Water Governance 	
Topic:	Caring for our Country; and Water programs	
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice	

Senator Birmingham asked:
(a)	What is the cost breakdown of previous programs now known as Caring for our Country (such as Landcare, Natural Heritage Trust)?
(b)	In relation to Green Precincts, the budget papers make reference to “high profile green precincts” and “high-profile demonstration projects”.  Is the profile of the projects part of the criteria for funding, or is consideration based on the delivery of outcomes in terms of water and/or energy savings?

Answer:
(a)	The cost breakdown of previous programs now known as Caring for our Country for the 2008-09 Financial Year is:

Natural Heritage Trust	$342.5m
Working on Country		$    1.6m
Environmental Stewardship	$    7.5m
National Landcare Program	$  34.1m 

(b)	The guidelines and criteria are being developed in line with the Government’s election commitment for Green Precinct projects.

Outcome:	1	Question No:	92	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	NRMPD	
Topic:	Climate Change/Farm viability	
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice 	

Senator Birmingham and Senator Nash asked:
(a)	Prior to the Election Shadow Environment Minister Peter Garrett told the ABC’s Lateline that there needed to be a review of farm viability in Australia as a result of Climate Change? How will this government policy be implemented? 
(b)	What in the Government’s view is a viable farm and has or will the Minister or the Department be implementing any review or studies into the environmental or financial viability of farms in Australia as a result of Climate Change? Who will be heading up the review? What will be the terms of reference? Will farmers be able to make submissions to the review and how will it affected water users and farmers?

Answer:
(a)	– (b) The Government has no plan to conduct a viability audit of individual farm businesses. Following a review of previous natural resource management programs, the Government announced its new Caring for our Country program which has as its goal “an environment which is healthy, better-protected, well-managed, resilient and provides essential ecosystem services in a changing climate”. Caring for our Country will invest in activities that build on the success of Landcare to improve on-farm practices that enhance the delivery of ecosystem services and production, increase the resilience of rural landscapes to climate change, and assist farmers and primary industries to reduce their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

This complements a range of actions currently underway, such as the comprehensive review of drought policy and the implementation of the Australia’s Farming Future election commitment. The drought policy review will support the development of policies to help better prepare farmers and rural communities for a changing climate.

The objective of the Australia’s Farming Future initiative is to assist and equip primary producers with the research, tools and information to adapt and adjust to the impacts of climate change and manage their emissions. It will also assist eligible primary producers in financial difficulty to manage the impacts of climate change.   

Outcome:	1	Question No:	104	
Output:	1.2	
Division/Agency:	MBD	
Topic:	Biodiversity Hotspots	
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice 	

Senator Birmingham asked:
(a)	In light of the Government’s cuts to the Biodiversity Hotspots program, what programs now exist to cover this important initiative?  Why was this program cut?
(b)	Can the Department provide a list of monitored biodiversity hotspots?
(c)	Can the Department explain the basis upon which projects are considered ‘insufficient’ and considered ‘suitable’ for the continuation of funding?
(d)	Why was funding for the community wildlife park at Bimbimbie in Victoria cut?

Answers:
(a)	The Biodiversity Hotspots program was scheduled to end on 30 June 2008.  In July 2007 the then Minister for Finance and Administration approved a movement of funds allocated to 2006-07 into 2007-08, and clearly stated that no further movement of funds would be approved.  
The Government’s new Caring for our Country Initiative builds on the strengths of previous natural resource management programs, including the Biodiversity Hotspots program.  The $180m National Reserve System funding and the Environmental Stewardship Program under the Caring for our Country Initiative will use direct acquisition of eligible properties and payment to landowners for on-ground biodiversity improvements consistent with those of the Hotspots program. 
(b)	In 2003 the Threatened Species Scientific Committee identified 15 biodiversity hotspots across Australia.  Investments under the Biodiversity Hotspots program included these hotspots and other areas which also met the program criteria. 
Acquisitions under the Biodiversity Hotspots program are owned and managed by environmental NGOs, such as the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Tasmanian Land Conservancy and Bush Heritage Australia. These delivery agents have or are developing management plans that include protocols for research and monitoring conservation outcomes on each of the properties acquired under the program.  
Stewardship projects under the Biodiversity Hotspots program are managed by environmental NGOs who provide the funding to land-holders to help them protect existing natural habitats with high conservation values.  Each environmental NGO will monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of individual management plans, and ensure compliance with landholder contracts. The Australian Government will receive annual reports from the delivery agents.
(c)	A Panel of eight conservation NGOs was established as service delivery agents to identify investment opportunities for competitive stewardship payments and voluntary property acquisitions according to the program guidelines.  Investment proposals from the panel were assessed according to their: 
•	Eligibility (i.e. whether the proposed activities met the program guidelines), 
•	Likelihood of success (i.e. whether the proposed activities would deliver the program objectives), and 
•	Cost-effectiveness (i.e. whether the proposed activities represented value for money in delivering the program objectives). 

(d)	The Bimbimbie community wildlife park in Mount Burnett, Victoria, was not considered under the Biodiversity Hotspots program as it did not fit within the program guidelines. 
The Government decided not to proceed with funding towards the infrastructure costs of establishing the Community Wildlife Centre in the Bimbimbie Wildlife Park, Victoria as this funding was not subject to a competitive process.