Latest news from the ABC this morning gives some indication as to where the funds for the next 5 or 6 years of the National Landcare Programme will be allocated. It would appear that the resources allocated to community Landcare groups around the country are still going to be sparse. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources have also released information. Have a read for yourself and see what you think.
The full details are also on the nrm.gov.au website National Landcare Program Phase Two
http://www.nrm.gov.au/national-landcare-program
Here is the latest information from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
http://minister.agriculture.gov.au/joyce/Pages/Media-Releases/Farmers-to-continue-to-farm-smarter-under-Landcare.aspx
“Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, said farming and regional communities will continue to benefit from the Government’s investment.
“There are three elements to the Smart Farms Program and each will focus on improving soil, vegetation and biodiversity condition and support agricultural systems to adapt to change,” Minister Hartsuyker said.
The three elements to the Smart Farms Program are:
- Smart Farming Partnerships ($60 million over six years): Large multi-year grants for projects, with organisations working in partnership to develop, trial and implement new and innovative practices and tools that support uptake of sustainable agriculture practices across our agricultural, fishing, aquaculture and farm forestry industries.
- Smart Farms Small Grants ($50 million over six years): Small grants program (grants between $5,000 and $100,000) to develop and extend new tools and technologies that help farmers, fishers, foresters and regional communities adopt best practice land management.
- Building Landcare Community and Capacity ($24 million over six years): will support the sharing of knowledge and achievements and community leadership in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.”