A discussion paper on Australian Government investment in natural resource management has been released for public consultation, as part of the Caring for Our Country Review.

 

The review will look at the effectiveness of the program, achievements to date and will explore options for natural resource management delivery in the future.

 

Under Caring for our Country, the government is investing $2 billion over five years.

 

As of 30 November 2010, over $1.7 billion has been committed to support new projects involving farmers, Indigenous groups, regional natural resource management organisations, Landcare and other volunteer environmental groups across Australia.

 

Significant achievements so far include Reef Rescue, which is improving the quality of water runoff into the reef, the establishment of a national network of regional Landcare facilitators, progress in combating the impacts of cane toads and camels, and the expansion of the Indigenous Protected Area network, including the employment of hundreds of new Indigenous rangers.

 

The initiative is heading towards the final two years of its current funding cycle and the Australian Government is reviewing its efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness.

 

This discussion paper highlights some common topics raised by stakeholders to date, or that we have identified from our experience with the initiative. It is not intended to include a definitive or finalised list of issues or themes.

 

Submissions close on May 20, 2011.

 

Further information is available here.