Queensland Regional NRM Group’s Collective
PO Box 4608, Toowoomba Q 4350
Media enquiries: Samantha Morris 0421 709 519
MEDIA RELEASE
19 February 2009
State must invest in regional environmental programs
Queensland’s regional natural resource management organisations have mixed reactions after the
Australian Government announcement of funding allocations for core operating costs for the coming
financial year.
While collectively the organisations will receive $2 million less for core operating than last year, the funding
allocation comes with a four year guarantee, a massive step forward for environmental funding.
The organisations are now waiting on the announcement of a national competitive Caring for Our Country
funding round which is not expected to be made until May or June. The competitive funding is for important
land and water management, biodiversity and community engagement programs across high priority
landscapes.
Mike Berwick, Chair of the Queensland Regional Natural Resource Management Group’s Collective
acknowledges that some regions have fared better than others.
“When you take into consideration the Australian Government’s investment in reef protection, some of the
coastal regions are actually managing well, however other regions have suffered badly with considerable
funding cuts,” Berwick said.
The regional organisations, which employ more than 300 people, mostly in small regional towns are now
calling on the Queensland Government to ensure good financial support for natural resource management
programs at the regional level.
Berwick says the timing is perfect for the Queensland Government to make a strong commitment to regional
natural resource management and to ensure continuity of programs in inland regions as well as the coast.
“Our regional natural resource management bodies have worked tirelessly over the past 6 years to ensure
sustainability at the regional level. They are engaging farmers, working closely with industry groups,
ensuring food security, educating people about dealing with climate change and conserving biodiversity,”
Berwick said.
“At the end of the previous federal government’s Natural Heritage Trust program, the Queensland
Government was contributing in excess of $20 million a year to regional programs. Anything short of that for
the coming financial year will severely impact on our ability to work towards sustainable natural resource
management.” Berwick said.
Regional organisations also want the two levels of Government to work together in developing a funding
package that will sustain regional environmental programs.
Queensland Regional NRM Group’s Collective
PO Box 4608, Toowoomba Q 4350
Media enquiries: Samantha Morris 0421 709 519
“We want a whole of government response to ensure continuity of employment and programs,” Berwick
said. “So we are asking Queensland Government agencies to collaborate with regional bodies and industry
stakeholders when applying for the Caring for Our Country funding available from the Australian
Government.”
Berwick says other states have developed a collaborative approach which means there are less
applications, coordinated and strategic bids and less direct competition for the same high priority projects.
The regional organisations are also concerned about the timing of the State’s announcement, expected to
be in May. Berwick says the timing of this announcement will leave some regions uncertain about
continuing programs and employment contracts into the next financial year.
“We need to ensure continuity of employment for our staff and for the programs they are running,” Berwick
said. “We are hoping the Queensland Government will see fit to make their funding and collaboration
commitments as early as possible.”
“We are calling on the Queensland Government to step up to the plate with a swift and serious investment in
regional sustainability, strong collaboration and to commit to a four year investment in line with the
Australian Government.” Berwick said.
Further information about the work of Queensland’s regional natural resource management organisations is
Media enquiries
Samantha Morris, Wombat Creative
0421 709 519 | sam@wombatcreative.com.au
Interview
Mike Berwick, Chair Queensland Regional NRM Group’s Collective
0419 022 629
NEWS 
