Protecting our natural resources

The Government will provide around $2.2 billion over six years on a comprehensive approach to the conservation of Australia's natural resources.

Phase Three of the Natural Heritage Trust

The Government will further extend the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) until June 2013, with an injection of $2 billion from 2008‑09 to support activities that will improve water quality, reduce land degradation and enhance vegetation management at the local, regional and national level.

This contribution builds on the Government's previous $3.8 billion commitment under NHT and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP).

National Landcare Programme

The Government will provide $112 million for the National Landcare Programme over three years from 2008-09.

This will continue the partnership between the Government, farmers and community groups.

Landcare will continue to support on-the-ground activities, increase

the skills of natural resource managers, and promote best practice management.

Environmental Stewardship Programme

The Government will also invest $50 million over four years to establish an innovative Environmental Stewardship Programme.

Under this groundbreaking approach, the Government will form long-term partnerships with landholders to reward those who undertake positive actions to protect and enhance environmental assets of national significance.