More funding for disaster relief
More funding for disaster relief
24 March 2011
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia — The Federal Government has committed $8 million to help Australia’s environment and agriculture recover from the recent natural disasters across Australia.
The new funding is to help the nation’s natural resources in flood, cyclone and bushfire-affected areas across the nation.
“These measures will address impacts on our plant and animal life, support the volunteers who do such a great job in protecting our environment and develop recovery and rehabilition strategies,” said Environment Minister Tony Burke.
Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig says the funding will support ongoing recovery efforts.
“This funding will bring together Conservation Volunteers Australia to work with Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations in disaster-affected areas on the recovery and restoration of regional and rural environments,” he said.
“It complements the government’s ongoing efforts in working with farmers to recover after the floods and cyclone.”
The package includes $4.9 million for regional NRM organisations in damaged areas to undertake environmental recovery works.
There’s also $785,000 for restoration activities in the Gondwana and Wet Tropics World Heritage Areas to respond to flood effects and rehabilitate species.
The Federal Government has also announced that it will invest in new research that aims to reduce agricultural runoff to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon by 25 per cent by 2013.
Eighteen new research projects designed to improve water quality and protect the reef have been announced.
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Dr Mike Kelly, says the Federal Government will invest $8.85 million under Caring for our Country for the projects.
