Australia Index

Australia – Index

National Weeds Programme Envirofund Rural Water Reforms 1994 Murray Darling 2001 Programme National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality National Landcare Programme Commonwealth Tax Concessions Bushcare National Feral Animal Control Programme National Rivercare Programme Commonwealth State Programmes Environment Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act 1999 Environment Protection (Milking Shed Effluent Management) Policy 1997 Irrigation Act 1994 (South Australia) Murray Darling Basin Act 1993 National Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997 Natural Resource Management (Financial Assistance) Act 1992 Native Vegetation Act 1991 (South Australia) Soil Conservation Act 1986 (South Australia) Soil Conservation and Landcare Act 1989 (South Australia) Water Protection Legislation Water Resources Protection Act 1997 Cape York Natural Heritage Trust Plan Farm Business Improvement Programme Environmental Choice Australia - Programme Farm Forestry Programme National Framework for Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in Agriculture National Framework for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity National Water Quality Strategy Sustainable Land Management of Rangelands Land and Water Australia

The majority of federal projects are funded by one of the following: AFFA, Environment Australia, or the National Heritage Trust. However, the bulk of programmes, legislation and polices are designed and implemented at the state or territory level. Some thought will need to be given as to how far to extend coverage in the inventory. Perhaps one state’s legislation could be discussed in full in the database and within the description of that Act, mention could be made of the other states’ legislation. Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based on Fixed Farm Assets;

Policy COMMONWEALTH TAX CONCESSIONS

Agency Australian Taxation Office

Relevant Legislation Taxation Laws Amendment Act (No. 4) 1985 (No. 173 of 1985) Income Tax Assessment Amendment Act (No.6) 1980 (No. 159 of 1980) Income Tax Assessment Amendment Act (No.3) 1980 (No. 58 of 1980) Overall Objective Taxation arrangements provide for a range of deductions, rebates and allowances to promote better land and water management Delivery Mechanism The following deductions, rebates or allowances are available to farmers:  Deductions for the cost of conserving and conveying water and for capital expenditure on soil conservation, preventing land degradation and related measures;  A taxation allowance for capital expenditure on drought preparedness; and  A tax rebate for expenditure on landcare works. Targets -

When Applied Taxation Laws Amendment Act 1985 Income Tax Assessment Act 1980 Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs Rebates worth AUD26.0 million in 2000/01

How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Participation/Results -

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A- 11A1-A2200060B0A05728&contType=outputs Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Specturm . Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based on Land Retirement

Policy FARM FORESTRY PROGRAMME

Agency Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia administer this programme.

Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective The aim of the Programme was to encourage the incorporation of commercial tree growing and management on cleared agricultural land into farming systems for the purpose of wood and non-wood production to increase agricultural productivity and to promote sustainable natural resource management. Delivery Mechanism Funds are allocated to various farm forestry projects all over the country. More information about these independent projects can be found on AFFA’s website. Targets -

When Applied 1996 – 2002 Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs The Commonwealth allocated nearly AUD17 million to farm forestry under the Wood and Paper Industry Strategy (WAPIS) and under the Natural Heritage Trust, a further AUD41 million over four years was provided to farm forestry (including AUD19 million from Bushcare, the national vegetation initiative). How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A- 11A1-A2200060B0A03533 Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based on Farming Practices

Policy INCENTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (EMS) IN AGRICULTURE Agency The programme is a Commonwealth initiative under the National Heritage Trust. Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective To support improved environmental management of Australia’s natural resources, encourage sustainable agricultural production systems and reinforce Australia’s reputation as a supplier of quality, environmentally friendly agricultural products. Delivery Mechanism The programme is an opportunity for land managers and community, regional, catchment, industry, research, and State and Territory government organisations to work with the Commonwealth on EMS programmes.

Funding is allocated on the basis of proposals submitted. Low income farmers will receive up to 50% of the costs of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of AUD3,000 on a taxable income up to AUD30,000 per annum. The level of reimbursement applying to eligible primary producers on taxable incomes between AUD30,000 and AUD35,000 will reduce by AUD3 for every AUD5 in income above AUD30,000. Targets -

When Applied Applications for funding in 2003 closed in November 2002. Coverage/Eligibility Only farmers that have done an Environmental Management System training course that meets relevant national competencies will be able to claim the costs of developing an Environmental management System and of carrying out priority on-ground actions that have been identified. Costs Funding is allocated on the basis of proposals submitted. The Government will allocate funding of up to AUD25 million to support eligible primary producer in 2003. How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/publications/se011.htm Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Other Sustainable Resource Practices . Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy FARM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME

Agency Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry Australia administers this programme.

Overall Objective The programme aims to increase competitiveness, profitability and sustainability by encouraging individuals or groups to:  Participate in learning activities to enhance the profitability, sustainability, and competitiveness of their business;  Develop greater acceptance of the benefits of continuous learning and skills development, and its relevance to the changing management needs of a competitive farm sector; and  Enhance farmers’ capacity to identify and access appropriate learning activities, and over time, influence more flexible delivery of such activities. Delivery Mechanism Farm Business Improvement Program (FarmBis) contributes to the costs of farmer’s participation and promotes continuous learning by making training more accessible to those managing farm businesses. Funding for the programme is divided equally between the Commonwealth and the States. While FarmBis is a Federal initiative, it is designed to be a partnership between the States, industry, local farmer and community groups, and other key stakeholders. Where possible, FarmBis uses existing networks to facilitate participation in learning activities, driven by farmer and industry needs. Activities focus on addressing the training needs identified by the management team including those related to financial, marketing and labour issues, and resource management of the farm business. Specific types of activities that may be supported include farm business and financial planning/advice, farm performance benchmarking, leadership development, quality assurance activities, skills audits and specialised management areas, e.g. risk management. Technical or vocational skills’ training is not funded. Other activities may also be supported if they meet the objectives of the programme. Targets -

When Applied Established 2000/01.

Coverage/Eligibility Farmers, their family members, farm managers and farm contractors, whose operational support is integral to improving the business management on the farm, are eligible for funding. The individual must be a member of a farm management team. Eligible activities for training differ between states. Costs Applicants are expected to make a direct financial contribution to the cost of their project, with projects demonstrating a high level of financial contribution given preference. How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/farmbis/australia Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension;

Policy NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (EMS) IN AGRICULTURE Agency The National Framework for EMS in Agriculture was produced by an EMS Working Group in consultation with the community and an EMS Steering Committee, under the auspices of the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council. Relevant Legislation Individuals implementing EMS may wish to become accredited to International Standard ISO 14001. Overall Objective The National Framework has been developed to support the voluntary adoption of EMS in Australian agriculture. Delivery Mechanism The National Framework:  Encourages voluntary adoption of EMS;  Promotes a consistent approach to EMS in Agriculture;  Provides contexts for environmental improvements on farms, and within industries, catchments, regions;  Encourages links between management actions taken by landholders and environmental outcomes set at regional and catchment scales;  Encourages links along supply chains to improve trade and market access outcomes from improved natural resource management on farms; and  Identifies the need for governments to co-ordinate their support roles across states and territories, national and international boundaries.

An EMS is a systematic approach to assist any enterprise to identify and manage its impacts on the environment, while providing opportunities for improved business performance. As an integrated business management tool, an EMS can effectively complement and build on other existing activities such as property management planning, best management practices, codes of practice and quality assurance schemes. EMS provides a management framework based on a simple “plan, do, check, act” cycle that achieves continuous improvement. A manager uses the system to identify their environmental impacts and legal responsibilities, then implements and reviews changes and improvements in a structured way. To provide credibility for external stakeholders, managers may decide to have their EMS externally audited and may become certified to the international standard, ISO 14001. Targets -

When Applied - Coverage/Eligibility Voluntary initiative

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=EFA7A37B-FE3A- 431F-8AC36A1866995700 Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity . Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension; Community Based Measures; Research/Education

Policy NATIONAL FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL PROGRAMME

Agency The National Feral Animal Control Programme is administered jointly by Environment Australia and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia, and is delivered through the Natural Heritage Trust. The agricultural component of the programme is administered by the Bureau of Rural Sciences within AFFA. Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective To reduce the damage to agriculture and the environment from feral animals. The objectives of the programme are:  To develop integrated, strategic approaches to managing the impacts of nationally significant pest animals;  To develop and implement Threat Abatement Plans for managing pests that pose the greatest threat to the survival of endangered and threatened native species;  To improve the effectiveness of control techniques and strategies for reducing pest animal impacts; and  To produce guidelines for the management of nationally significant pests. Delivery Mechanism Activities supported by the programme include:  large-scale field projects involving a wide range of stakeholders, which have research and demonstration objectives;  smaller-scale field studies of control techniques and/or pest animals (e.g. assessment of density: damage relationships);  extension activities including material development that promote the objectives of best practice pest management;  development of more effective, economic and humane techniques and strategies; and  desktop studies that will provide information or frameworks to support decision-making related to pest animal management.

The programme will generally not fund pure background research (e.g. ecology/biology of pest animals) or routine pest-management activities. Targets -

When Applied Established 1996/97

Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs 1996/97 – AUD3.7 million 1997/98 – AUD3.1 million 1998/99 – AUD1.6 million 1999/00 – AUD2.0 million 2000/01 – AUD5.2 million 2001/02 – AUD2.7 million 2002/03 – AUD0.9 million How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information http://www.nht.gov.au/programs/ferals.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension; Community Based Measures; Research/Education

Policy CAPE YORK NATIONAL HERITAGE TRUST (NHT) PLAN

Agency The Plan was developed by the Commonwealth in consultation with the Queensland Government. It is administered by Environment Australia, and is delivered through the Natural Heritage Trust. Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective To protect the natural and cultural values of Cape York through an integrated regional strategy. Delivery Mechanism The Cape York NHT Plan has identified ten strategies that need to be implemented in an integrated way to ensure that land use activities across the Cape occur in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development and that those areas of greatest natural and cultural significance are protected.

Funding helps the implementation of these strategies, including Cape York Property Plans, Controlling Feral Animals and Weeds, Land Rehabilitation and Assessment of Natural and Cultural Values. Targets -

When Applied Established 1998 Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs AUD40 million

Source/Further Information http://www.nht.gov.au/programs/capeyork.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Water Resources . Type(s) of Measure: Environmental Taxes/Charges; Tradable Rights/Quotas

Policy RURAL WATER REFORMS 1994

Agency The Rural Water Reforms were agreed upon by the Council of Australian Governments in 1994. Implementation comes under the auspecies of the National Competition Council. Relevant Legislation Individual states were required to enact legislation that implements the reforms by 2001. Overall Objective To ensure that Australia’s scarce water resources are managed efficiently and sustainably. Delivery Mechanism In 1994, all state and territory governments agreed that the management and regulation of Australia’s water supply needed significant changes. A package of water reforms including changes to water prices, water rights, buying and selling water and water infrastructure was agreed upon. Cost recovery for data collection and research activities was also agreed upon.

More specifically the water reforms require states to ensure that:  Water pricing will reflect the full cost of providing water services, however, were any subsidies remain they must be made transparent;  Their governments make more informed and responsible investment decisions about new water supply infrastructure;  Water rights will no longer be tied to land instead it will become a tradable business asset that can be brought and sold to meet seasonal or long-term demands; and  Water service authorities become more accountable to their customers by publishing information on their financial performance and non- financial performance.

Implementation of the reforms falls under the auspecies of the National Competition Council, however, individual states were required to enact legislation that implements the reforms by 2001. Targets Full implementation of the reforms at state and territory level by 2001.

When Applied Reforms were passed in 1994 Coverage/Eligibility All states and territories are required to implement the reforms.

Costs -

Participation/Results New laws clarifying separate water entitlements are only recently in place. Prices are yet to reflect the full cost of supplying water. Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A- 11A1-A2200060B0A05640 http://www.ncc.gov.au/sector.asp?sectorID=8 Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity; Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures

Policy ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSTIY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 Agency Environment Australia (EA)

Relevant Legislation Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, replaces the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992; Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974; National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975; Whale Protection Act 1980; and World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983.) Overall Objective The Commonwealth legislation aims to:  Provide for the protection of the environment, especially those aspects of the environment that are matters of national environmental significance;  Promote ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of natural resources;  Promote the conservation of biodiversity;  Promote a co-operative approach to the protection and management of the environment involving governments, the community, landholders and indigenous peoples;  Assist in the co-operative implementation of international environmental responsibilities; Recognise the role of indigenous people in the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of biodiversity; and  Promote the use of indigenous peoples’ knowledge of biodiversity with the involvement of, and in co-operation with, the owners of the knowledge.

To promote the conservation of biodiversity by providing strong protection for:  listed species and communities in Commonwealth areas (this includes listed threatened species and ecological communities, listed migratory species and listed marine species);  cetaceans (all whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Commonwealth waters and outside Australian waters;  protected species in the Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Coral Sea Islands; and  protected areas (World Heritage properties, Ramsar wetlands, biosphere reserves; Commonwealth reserves; and conservation zones).

Delivery Mechanism The Act provides for:  the identification of key threatening processes;  the protection of critical habitats;  the preparation of recovery plans;  threat abatement plans;  wildlife conservation plans;  bioregional plans;  conservation agreements; and  the issuing of conservation orders.

Permits are required under the EPBC Act for:  certain activities in Commonwealth reserves;  activities that affect listed species or communities in Commonwealth areas;  cetaceans in Commonwealth waters and outside Australian waters;  the import and export of wildlife; and  activities involving protected species in the Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Coral Sea Islands.

Advisory committees have been established under the EPBC Act to advise the Commonwealth Environment Minister on threatened species, the conservation of biological diversity, and Indigenous management of land and biological diversity. Targets -

When Applied Introduced 1999 Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.ea.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Water Pollution . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures

Policy ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (MILKING SHED EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT) POLICY 1997 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) Agency Environment Protection Authority (South Australia)

Relevant Legislation Environmental Protection (Milking Shed Effluent Management) Policy 1997 (South Australia) Overall Objective To prevent nutrients and micro-organisms contained in milking shed effluent from entering water bodies and subsequently causing environmental harms. Delivery Mechanism The Regulation establishes basic minimum standards of design and practice for the management of liquid, semi-solid and solid wastes derived from structures where cows, sheep or goats are milked in any number at any frequency in any part of South Australia.

More specifically the regulation contains rules concerning:  Milking shed developments to incorporate effluent management systems;  Prevention of effluent escape to other land or water bodies;  Developments involving milking shed effluent lagoons;  Requirements applying to all milking shed effluent lagoons and solids separation pits;  Buffer distances for effluent application to land; and  Sustainable effluent disposal practices. Targets -

When Applied Introduced 1997

Coverage/Eligibility This policy applies to all farmers producing milking shed effluent in South Australia. Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/Catalog/Legislation/Regulations/E/! EPPOLICMSE.htm Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Water Resources . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures

Policy IRRIGATION ACT 1994 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)

Agency South Australia Water administers the Act on behalf of the Minister for Government Enterprises. Relevant Legislation Irrigation Act 1994

Overall Objective The Irrigation Act provides for the establishment and management of Irrigation Districts and the supply of water for primary production. Delivery Mechanism South Australia Water owns, manages and operates South Australia's water supply and wastewater treatment systems, serving nearly 1.4 million people. South Australia Water is wholly owned by the Government of the State of South Australia however in recent years it has entered into outsourcing contracts with international water industry companies Targets -

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_act/ia1994131/ http://www.sawater.com.au/about_sa_water/index.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures

Policy MURRAY-DARLING BASIN ACT 1993 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)

Agency Department of Water, Land, Biodiversity and Conservation (South Australia) admins Relevant Legislation Murray-Darling Basin Act 1993 which replaced the Murray-Darling Basin Act 1983. Overall Objective The Murray-Darling Basin Act provides the process and substance for the integrated management of the Murray-Darling Basin. The purpose of the Act is to promote and co-ordinate effective planning and management for the equitable efficient and sustainable use of the water, land and other environmental resources of the Murray-Darling Basin. Delivery Mechanism An Act to approve and provide for carrying out an agreement entered into between the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia with regard to the water, land and other environmental resources of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The Act established new institutions at the political, bureaucratic and community levels to underpin its implementation, e.g.  the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council - http://www.mdbc.gov.au/about/ministerial_council/council.htm;  the Murray-Darling Basin Commission – http://www.mdbc.gov.au/; and  the Community Advisory Committee - http://www.mdbc.gov.au/about/cac/cac.htm.

The Act sets out the objectives, functions and composition of the new institutions and the procedures to be followed for natural resource management, water distribution, asset management and financial disbursements. Targets -

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.indigenet.unisa.edu.au/heritage/legislation/SA/samuda/samudat oc.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures; Research/Education;

Policy NATIVE VEGETATION ACT 1991 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)

Agency This Act established the Native Vegetation Council

Relevant Legislation Native Vegetation Act 1991 (South Australia) repealed the Native Vegetation Management Act 1985. Overall Objective An Act to provide incentives and assistance to landowners in relation to the preservation and enhancement of native vegetation; to control the clearance of native vegetation; to repeal the Native Vegetation Management Act 1985; to make consequential amendments to the South Australian Heritage Act 1978; and for other purposes.

The objectives of this Act include:  the provision of incentives and assistance to landowners in relation to the preservation, enhancement and management of native vegetation;  the conservation of the native vegetation of the State in order to prevent further reduction of biological diversity and further degradation of the land and its soil;  the limitation of the clearance of native vegetation to clearance in particular circumstances including circumstances in which the clearance will facilitate the management of other native vegetation or will facilitate the efficient use of land for primary production;  the encouragement of research into the preservation, enhancement and management of native vegetation; and  the encouragement of the re-establishment of native vegetation in those parts of the State that have been cleared of native vegetation. Delivery Mechanism This Act established the Native Vegetation Council, which has the powers, functions and duties conferred, assigned or imposed by this Act.

This Act creates the Native Vegetation Fund. The Fund is subject to the management and control of the Council. The Fund consists of:  money appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Fund;  fees payable in respect of applications to the Council to clear native vegetation;  penalties payable in respect of offences against this Act;  interest and accretions arising from investment of the Fund.

The Fund may, with the approval of the Minister, be invested in a manner determined by the Council. The Council may make payments from the Fund in accordance with this Act. The Council must in each year apply such amounts as it considers appropriate from the Fund for research into the preservation, enhancement and management of native vegetation and to encourage the re-establishment of native vegetation on land from which native vegetation has been cleared. Targets -

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_act/nva1991194/index.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy SOIL CONSERVATION ACT 1986 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)

Agency Department for Environment and Heritage (South Australia)

Relevant Legislation Soil Conservation Act 1986

Overall Objective Conservation and rehabilitation of soil resources in South Australia, and to facilitate the implementation of soil conservation measures by landholders for the mitigation of soil erosion, through the establishment of the Soil Conservation Council and Soil Conservation Districts and Boards. Delivery Mechanism Under the provisions of the Soil Conservation and Land Care Act 1989 the role of the Soil Conservation Council is to:  develop integrated strategies for the conservation and rehabilitation of the land of the State;  disseminate information on the state of the land resources;  promote community awareness and involvement in issues relating to conservation and rehabilitation of land; and  provide guidance to the Soil Conservation Boards.

A landowner needs to apply for approval of a property plan for soil conservation. A property plan describes all measures, undertakings, acts, proposals, prohibitions and things designed, carried out, enforced or proposed to be carried out or enforced pursuant to this Act for the purpose of soil conservation or of controlling or directing run-off water flow or for any other purpose within the scope of this Act. Targets -

When Applied Established 1986

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_act/scalca1989281/ http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/land/done.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy SOIL CONSERVATION AND LAND CARE ACT 1989 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) Agency Department for Environment and Heritage (South Australia)

Relevant Legislation Soil Conservation and Land Care Act 1989

Overall Objective To consolidate and amend the law relating to the conservation and rehabilitation of soil resources in South Australia, and to facilitate the implementation of soil conservation measures by landholders for the mitigation of soil erosion, through the establishment of the Soil Conservation Council and Soil Conservation Districts and Boards.

An Act to:  Recognise that the land and its soil, vegetation and water constitute the most important natural resource and that land conservation is crucial to the welfare of the people;  Recognise that land degradation has occurred to a significant extent and that some degradation is still occurring, and that Government, industry and the community at large must work together to prevent or minimise further degradation and rehabilitate degraded land;  Ensure that land conservation becomes an integral part of land management practice, and that land is used within its capability; and  Establish a system ensuring: 1. the regular and effective monitoring and evaluation of the condition of the land; 2. the early identification of land degradation and the causes of the degradation; 3. the development, implementation and enforcement of plans for preventing or minimising further land degradation and for rehabilitating degraded land; and 4. to involve the community as widely as possible in the administration of this Act and in programmes designed to conserve or rehabilitate land. Delivery Mechanism Under the provisions of the Soil Conservation and Land Care Act 1989, the role of the Soil Conservation Council is to:  develop integrated strategies for the conservation and rehabilitation of the land of the State;  disseminate information on the state of the land resources;  promote community awareness and involvement in issues relating to conservation and rehabilitation of land; and  provide guidance to the Soil Conservation Boards. Targets -

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_act/scalca1989281/ http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/land/done.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Water Pollution . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures

Policy “WATER PROTECTION LEGISLATION”

Agency

Relevant Legislation Various

Overall Objective To protect surface and groundwater from livestock effluent and pesticides.

Delivery Mechanism Buffer zones - There are regulations regarding buffer zones, exclusion zones and chemical control areas.

Salinity and nutrient guidelines - Guidelines for salinity and nutrient levels in rivers and streams protect aquatic ecosystems.

Effluent guidelines - There are also guidelines on the management of dairy and intensive livestock effluent. The Effluent Management Guidelines for Intensive Piggeries contain recommendations for protecting water resources. Contents and/or permits for point source discharges from agricultural activities are required in some areas.

Water extraction limitations - Caps on water extractions in the major irrigation zones (e.g. Murray Darling Basin) ensure sufficient drainage to dilute nutrient loads. Embargoes exist on further irrigation licences. Irrigators must obtain licences to extract groundwater. Farmers are not required to calculate an on-farm nutrient balance, but nutrient readings above normal levels and/or national guidelines are investigated and remedial actions taken. Targets -

When Applied

Costs -

Participation/Results There are 1,800 water monitoring programmes in place. In addition, communtiy initiatives such as Waterwatch monitor 5,000 sites. Source/Further Information - Matrix Classification:

Policy WATER RESOURCES ACT 1997 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)

Agency -

Relevant Legislation Water Resources Act 1997 (South Australia)

Overall Objective Establish a system for the use and management of water resources to ensure that their use and management sustain the physical, economic and social well being and facilitate the economic development. This by ensuring that water resources are able to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations and by protecting the ecosystems (including their biological diversity) that depend on water resources; and by requiring the use of caution and other safeguards to reduce to a minimum the detrimental effects of water use and management. Delivery Mechanism The Act aims to:  Maintain or improve the quality of naturally occurring water resulting benefits to other natural resources including the land and its soil, native vegetation and native animals;  protect watercourses, lakes, surface and underground water from degradation and, where practicable, to reverse degradation that has already occurred;  protect and enhance ecosystems that depend on naturally occurring water;  keep the state and condition of the water resources under review;  identify alternative sources of water and facilitate the use of water form those sources;  encourage members of the community to take an active part in planning the management of water resources;  promote public awareness of the importance of water resources and their use and management in accordance with this Act; and to  integrate, as far as practicable, the administration of this Act and other legislation dealing with natural resources.

Similar Acts exist for other states:  Water Act 1912 – New South Wales  Water Resources Act 1989 Queensland  Water Act 1989 Victoria  Water Industry Act 1994 Victoria  Water Supply, Sewerage & Drainage Act 1912 Western Australia  Water Resources Act 1997 South Australia  Water Act Northern Territories For more information about these Acts see: http://www.aar.com.au/services/ener/lawlinks.htm#Water Targets -

When Applied Introduced 1997 Coverage/Eligibility South Australia

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.aar.com.au/services/ener/lawlinks.htm#Water Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity . Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Measures, Research/Education

Policy NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF AUSTRALIA’S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY Agency The Strategy was prepared by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 1996.

Overall Objective To achieve the conservation of biological diversity through the adoption of ecologically sustainable agricultural and pastoral management practices. Delivery Mechanism The Strategy focuses on the conservation of indigenous biological diversity. The Strategy addresses six target areas each with specific objectives and actions. Priority actions are identified for implementation by 2000. Actions:  Improve the knowledge base by conducting co-ordinated research;  Strengthen delivery of government services connected with management of agricultural and pastoral systems; and  Encourage landholders, other land managers, governments and industry organisations to protect biological diversity. Targets -

When Applied Established 1996 Coverage/Eligibility The Strategy covers all of Australia's biological diversity in terrestrial, marine and other aquatic biological systems, including those of the external territories. Costs -

How Programme is The Strategy assigns ANZECC a central role in its coordination and review, Monitored/Evaluated and states that ANZECC, in consultation with other ministerial councils, will: • assume overall responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy at the national level; • monitor outcomes of the Strategy and undertake five-yearly reviews of its implementation; • provide to governments regular publicly available reports on the state of Australia's biological diversity - these'state of biological diversity' reports should form part of the State of the Environment reports that are to be prepared by the States, Territories and the Commonwealth; and • report regularly to heads of government on progress in implementing the Strategy. Participation/Results Since the adoption of the Strategy in 1996, significant progress has been made towards addressing some of the Strategy's objectives, for example, the establishment of a nationwide system of protected areas on public land and waters. However, other issues such as salinity have emerged as being important to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. For more information see http://www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/review/conclusions.html Source/Further Information http://www.ea.gov.au/bio

Matrix Classification:

Policy NATIONAL WATER QUALITY STRATEGY

Agency Australian Water Association (AWA) Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries Australia (AFFA) Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective The National Water Quality Management Strategy was established to protect and enhance the quality of water resources while maintaining economic and social development. Delivery Mechanism The National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) is a joint initiative which is being developed by the Commonwealth, State, and Territory Governments under the auspices of the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council

The Strategy consists of 21 guideline documents which provide the principles for managing key elements of the water cycle. A number of these are relevant for agricultural producers

 Effluent Management Guidelines – There are six effluent management guideline documents that are relevant to agriculture. These are: Dairy Sheds (16a), Dairy Processing (16b), Intensive Piggeries (17), Aqueous Wool Scouring and Carbonising (18), Tanning and Related Industries in Australia (19), Australian Wineries and Distilleries (20). http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86- BA1A-11A1-A2200060B0A05621

The guidelines are designed to serve as the basis for sustainable resource development extension programmes and for negotiations between regulatory authorities, local government and the industry on conditions for the managing, monitoring and reporting for effluent management that should apply at the regional level. They are flexible to serve as a framework for developing both codes of practice and general industry agreements, as well as the range of legislative controls that apply around Australia. It has not bee considered practicable to produce guidelines which will be immediately applicable to licensing in all jurisdictions without adaptation to, and discussion of, local needs and conditions. Targets -

When Applied The Strategy was established in 2001. Regulatory authorities, local governments and industry are currently discussing how these guidelines should be applied in their local areas. Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs -

How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated Participation/Results -

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A- 11A1-A2200060B0A05621 Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Labelling Standards/Certification

Policy ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE AUSTRALIA – ECOLABELLING

Agency Australia and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council (ANZECC)

Overall Objective To ensure that environmental claims made about products and services are both meaningful and truthful, and that consumers and providers of products and services are educated and informed of the environmental impacts of products and services. Delivery Mechanism Environmental Choice Australia is an environmental claim verification programme. It only verifies an environmental claim made by the manufacturer, rather than to select certain product groups and establish criteria for these products based on certain principles or considerations.

Eco-Labelling scheme administrators perform random tests in order to ensure that manufacturers and providers of products and services remain honest. If caught making false environmental claims, manufacturers and service providers will be fined up to AUD100,000 (corporations) and AUD20,000 (individuals). Targets Target groups are consumers and manufacturers.

When Applied Introduced 1991 Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.environment.gov.au/epg/environet/eecp/tools8.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Land quality, Water resources . Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures, Payments Based on Fixed Farm Assets; Technical Assistance/Extension;

Policy MURRAY DARLING 2001 PROGRAMME (MD2001)

Agency MD2001 is administered by the National Heritage Trust.

Overall Objective MD2001 seeks to promote the sustainable management of the land, water and other environmental resources of the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) for the national benefit of present and future generations.

The MD 2001 programme aims to reduce, or where possible reverse, the underlying rates of natural resource degradation in the Murray-Darling Basin through an integrated catchment management (ICM) approach. It is primarily concerned to address priority issues that affect the health of the Basin's riverine environments, as well as natural resource management issues associated with sustainable irrigation and dryland farming.

The core priorities for funding under the program include:  improving water quality by reducing the current salt, nutrient and chemical levels;  providing for improved flow management strategies;  reducing irrigation induced salinity and waterlogging and the impacts of dryland salinity due to overclearing; and  supporting on-ground works by landholders that address land and water degradation problems identified in regional/catchment management strategies. Delivery Mechanism Activities funded under MD2001 are delivered consistent with the strategic framework and priorities of the MDB Commission’s Basin Sustainability Program (BSP) and through bilateral Partnership Agreements between each of the Basin governments and the Commonwealth.

Under the BSP, each participating State Government in the MDB Initiative prepares, on an annual basis, a Three Year Rolling Plan for all natural resource management investment in their part of the Basin. These Three Year Plans identify priority actions and detailed outcomes linked to performance indicators under the BSP against which government investments can be assessed. Project applications need to address the priorities identified in these Plans. They must also be part of catchment or regional management strategies agreed to by Basin communities and governments.

All projects funded under the Murray-Darling 2001 Program require Basin Governments to match Federal Natural Heritage Trust funding on a dollar per dollar cash basis.

There are 4 components under MD2001:  The MD2001 Threshold component - (also known as the 85% component as it contains 85% of the programme funds available for projects through the OSS process.  The MD 2001 Targeted Component - is being trialed in the 2000-01 funding round. This component has been allocated 15% of programme funds available through the OSS process. This targeted approach is intended to accelerate activities in identified priority issues and locations in the Murray-Darling Basin. Targeted Component priorities (issues and regions), outcomes sought, on-ground actions and indicative project budgets for 2000-01 have been selected using information from the MDB Commission's Basin Salinity Audit and other Commission Basin-wide strategies, including Algal Management.  The Irrigation & Water Use Efficiency Program - This new programme has been allocated AUD5 million over 2 years (AUD3m in 2000-01 and AUD2m in 2001-02) which will be matched by contributions from the Basin Governments. The purpose of the new programme is to maintain the momentum of change within irrigation communities in respect to improved irrigation water use and efficiency. http://www.nht.gov.au/mdbguide.pdf  The Fish Rehab Program - This programme aims to initiate targeted activities to expedite the return of water to the environment and regenerate native fish populations, including the appropriate management of European Carp at a national level. http://www.affa.gov.au/csg/nrmp/fishrehab/fishrehab.htmlhttp://www.af fa.gov.au/docs/fisheries/fishrehab/fishrehab.html Targets -

When Applied 1996/7 – 2001/2 Coverage/Eligibility Most of the funding is for community-based initiatives, but farmers can get funding, for example, for installing and maintaining water-use efficient irrigation technologies and for technical assistance and training. Costs Under the Natural Heritage Trust, the Commonwealth is providing total funding of approximately AUD195 million over 6 years from 1996/7 to 2001/2. All projects funded under the MDP require Basin Governments to match federal Natural Heritage Trust funding on a dollar per dollar cash basis. How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D5A7CAB8-9E3- 436A-9BAE7538631EEF2A Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Water Resources . Type(s) of Measure: Community Based Measures; Payments Based on Fixed Farm Assets; Payments Based on Farming Practices; Technical Assistance/Extension;

Policy NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR SALINITY AND WATER QUALITY (NAP) Agency Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia (AFFA) and Environment and Heritage Australia jointly determine policy and major funding allocations to the National Action Plan. AFFA is responsible for financial management of the plan. Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective The key objectives of the NAP are:  to prevent, stabilise and reverse trends in salinity, particularly dryland salinity affecting agricultural production;  to conserve the environment, and community assets (such as houses, roads, etc); and  to improve water quality and secure reliable water supplies for human, agricultural and industrial uses and for the environment. Delivery Mechanism Development of community-based regional bodies that will develop and implement integrated catchment or regional natural resource management plans. Government supports this regional approach through:  block funding for strategic actions specified in catchment/regional management plans  the provision of technical assistance, skills training, information and data;  the development of pilots for market-based instruments to encourage best management practices  assistance for research and development, including new commercial opportunities in salt affected areas; and  the introduction of the next steps in land and water resource policy.

Communities will be supported to implement accredited plans through block funding. This will be provided on a 50:50 basis for the publicly funded element of the plan. Targets Agreed targets and standards will need to be set between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories, either bilaterally or multilaterally, as appropriate, in consultation with the relevant community to ensure effective use of funding. When Applied 2000 – 2006 Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs A Commonwealth funding commitment of AUD100.7 million in 2002/03 and AUD700 million over seven years to address salinity and water quality issues in 21 priority catchments. This funding will be matched by the States resulting in a total package of AUD1.4 billion. How Programme is A monitoring and evaluation strategy is in place at each level of the NAP Monitored/Evaluated delivery. The administration of the NAP meets benchmarks for comparable grants and natural resource management programmes. Participation/Results South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales have all signed bilateral agreements with the Commonwealth to implement the National Action Plan. Source/Further Information http://www.napswq.gov.au/publications/vital_resources.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Specturm . Type(s) of Measure: ; Community Based Measures; Payments Based on Fixed Farm Assets; Payments Based on Farming Practices; Technical Assistance Extension

Policy NATIONAL LANDCARE PROGRAMME

Agency The National Landcare Programme is funded by the Natural Heritage Trust. It is administered by the Natural Heritage Ministerial Board comprising the Minister for the Environment and Heritage and the Minister Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective Working with all levels of government, industry and the community to:  Assist in enhancing the long-term productivity of natural resources;  Promote community, industry and governmental partnership in the management of natural resources;  assist in establishing institutional arrangements to develop and implement policies, programs and practices that will encourage the sustainable use of natural resources;  assist in developing approaches to help resolve conflicts over access to natural resources; and  assist in raising the natural resource and business management skills of landholders. Delivery Mechanism Funding is provided:  for the development of locally initiated and managed projects addressing critical issues on public or private land for the public benefit;  for projects that promote institutional and policy change to achieve sustainable systems for natural resource management; and  on the basis of catchment and regional strategic plans. Targets -

When Applied Established 1992 Coverage/Eligibility The NLP supports collective action by communities and industry to manage resources sustainably, in partnership with government. Farmers can also get funding to cover part of their investment costs as well as one-off payments for changing their farm management practices. Costs 1996/97 – AUD10.2 million 1997/98 – AUD30.1 million 1998/99 – AUD48.5 million 1999/00 – AUD48.8 million 2000/01 – AUD63.5 million 2001/02 – AUD31.2 million 2003/03 – AUD14.2 million How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Participation/Results There are more than 4,500 landcare groups across Australia. About one in every three farmers is a member of a landcare group. Source/Further Information http://www.landcare.gov.au Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity . Type(s) of Measure: Community Based Measures, Payments Based on Farming Practices;

Policy BUSHCARE

Agency The Bushcare program is administered as part of the Natural Heritage Trust by Environment Australia. The Trust is jointly managed by Environment Australia and Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective To reverse the long-term decline in the quality and extent of Australia’s native vegetation cover and to conserve it for its intrinsic value, and for the purposes of biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Delivery Mechanism Funding is provided mostly to community groups and landowners:  to take responsibility to conserve, enhance and sustainably manage remnant native vegetation;  to greatly increase and improve community-based revegetation activities; and  to encourage the integration of native vegetation into conventional farming systems.

Bushcare give priority to projects at a regional or catchment scale which integrate management of remanent vegetation with extensive revegetation for a range of purposes, including:  conserving biodiversity, rehabilitating degraded areas, on and off reserves;  safeguarding and improving agricultural production;  enhancing greenhouse gas sinks;  lowering saline watertables;  improving water quality and wetlands management;  conserving wildlife habitat; and  providing products including timber, flowers, foliage, oils, fruits, nuts, honey, and services including shade, shelter, pest control and amenity. Targets -

When Applied Established 1996/97 Coverage/Eligibility Community groups and landowners. All project proposals for Bushcare funding should:  address the Bushcare objectives of improving the quality and extent of Australia's native vegetation;  be strategic and address priority issues, ideally consistent with a regional strategy if one exists;  show long term commitment beyond commonwealth funding and partnerships with community / state agencies / regional organisations;  demonstrate practical on-ground achievements; and  demonstrate that there is technical and financial ability to support the project. Costs 1996/97 – AUD3.7 million 1997/98 – AUD22.2 million 1998/99 – AUD50.2 million 1999/00 – AUD 81.6 million 2000/01 – AUD100.0 million 2001/02 – AUD83.8 million 2002/03 – AUD4.8 million How Programme is A large number of information sources are used to judge the overall success Monitored/Evaluated of the Bushcare Programme. Information is collected and reported by groups, States/Territory governments and the Commonwealth, to enable an annual assessment of progress. This contributes to a mid-term review and final evaluation of all programmes and the whole National Heritage Trust. The Bushcare reviews will assess the efficiency and effectiveness of Bushcare in delivering its objectives and the objectives of the Trust, as well as the appropriateness of the strategies to achieve the objectives. The Bushcare midterm review is available on the NHT web site.

Bushcare encourages groups implementing projects to design, manage and evaluate their projects in a way which helps achieve the most effective use of resources. A guide, "Setting Up for Success" has been produced to help groups work out what they are trying to achieve, plan their activities, keep track of progress, and work out how well they did. Another guide called "Participatory Evaluation for Landcare and Catchment Groups" helps group and regional facilitators guide and assist communities in monitoring and evaluation of their projects.

Bushcare has produced an inventory of resources to be used to understand techniques for monitoring the environment and the success of projects. These include records of activities and expenditure, participation in activities, outputs or products (e.g. areas fenced or revegetated, km of direct seeding, numbers of trial sites, newsletters, articles), local environmental data (e.g. salinity levels, numbers of bird sighted), photos of changes in vegetation, and feedback from group members. Participation/Results Bushcare has funded more than 1800 projects in which it has invested over AUD127 million. The projects vary widely in objectives, context, groups involved and funding provided. About 70% of Bushcare funding has been invested directly in on-ground works to improve native vegetation management. Source/Further Information http://www.ea.gov.au/land/bushcare/about/index.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Water Resources; Reducing Water Pollution . Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures; Payments Based on Fixed Farm Assets; Technical Assistance/Extension;

Policy NATIONAL RIVERCARE PROGRAMME (NRP)

Agency The NRP is funded by the National Heritage Trust and administered by AFFA. Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective To ensure the progress towards the sustainable management, rehabilitation and conservation of river systems and waterways outside the Murray Darling Basin. The NRP seeks to encourage the development of strategic and integrated responses to address river issues for improving the water quality and ecological values of river systems. Delivery Mechanism The NRP includes activities that:  maintain or improve water quality by preventing pollution (such as trapping sediments or nutrients);  improve the management of discharges or control stock access to rivers;  manage accelerated erosion or build-up of riverbeds (where it is ecologically and hydrologically sound to do so);  increase community awareness and understanding of river management issues and promote linkages to facilitate community involvement in developing responses;  promote integration of riverine action plans with land and vegetation management issues;  assist, and further stimulate investment, in activities which address national, state and regional priorities for improved river outcomes; and  assist in providing high quality data and decision support systems which will support investment and decisions in relation to environmental water provisions.

Investment is made on the basis of an accredited, integrated natural resource management plan developed by a region. This plan will identify the most important natural resource management issues in a region, and develop actions to address these. They will also set targets to be achieved based on agreed national standards.

Most of the funding is for community-based initiatives. Funding is available, for example, for on-farm installation of water-use efficient irrigation technologies, for maintaining such technologies, and for technical assistance and training courses. Targets -

When Applied Established in 1997/98

Coverage/Eligibility The NRP seeks to involve all levels of government, industry and non- government organisations. Groups, government agencies and individuals are all eligible for support. Costs 1997/98 – AUD5.9 million 1998/99 – AUD14.3 million 1999/00 – AUD19.1 million 2000/01 – AUD24.4 million 2001/02 – AUD14.9 million 2002/03 – AUD4.4 million How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Participation/Results Examples of National Rivercare Programme projects, their titles, proponents and the amount they are funded for are found in Excel spreadsheets on the Natural Heritage Trust site. Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=87D19B77-31F7- 4D86-819C667058D15B74&contType=output Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures; Payments Based on Farming Practices; Payments Based on Farm Fixed Assets; Regulatory Measures

Policy NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST OF AUSTRALIA ACT 1997

Agency Natural Heritage Trust is jointly administered by Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry Australia and Environment Australia. Relevant Legislation Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997

Overall Objective An Act establishing the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Reserve to conserve, repair and replenish natural capital infrastructure. Funds in the Reserve will be spent on the environment, sustainable agriculture and natural resources management. Delivery Mechanism In May 2002, it was announced that the National Heritage Trust would be extended form 2002/03 to 2006/07 and that the Trust’s existing 23 programmes would be consolidated and simplified into four overarching programmes:  Landcare Program – reversing land degradation and promoting sustainable agriculture.  Bushcare Program - conserving and restoring habitat for Australia’s unique native flora and fauna which underpins the health of landscapes.  Rivercare Program – improving water quality and environmental condition in Australia’s river systems and wetlands.  Coastcare Program – protecting coastal catchments, ecosystems and the marine environment.

Together these programs will invest in the 10 Natural Heritage Trust Areas of Activity:  protecting and restoring the habitat of threatened species, threatened ecological communities and migratory birds;  reversing the long-term decline in the extent and quality of Australia's native vegetation;  protecting and restoring significant freshwater, marine and estuarine ecosystems;  preventing or controlling the introduction and spread of feral animals, aquatic pests, weeds and other biological threats to biodiversity;  establishing and effectively managing a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of protected areas;  improving the condition of natural resources that underpins the sustainability and productivity of resource based industries;  securing access to natural resources for productive purposes;  encouraging the development of sustainable and profitable management systems for application by land-holders and other natural resource managers and users;  providing land-holders, community groups and other natural resource managers with understanding and skills to contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management; and  establishing institutional and organisational frameworks that promote conservation and ecologically sustainable use and management of natural resources. Investments will be made at the national, regional and local level. Targets -

When Applied Established 1996 Coverage/Eligibility Trust funding is available Australia-wide, and is allocated at the national regional and local levels. Costs The main Reserve consists of AUD1.35 billion from the partial sale of Telstra. NHT project spending:

1996/97 - AUD36.3 million 1997/98 - AUD131.4 million 1998/99 - AUD232.1 million 1999/00 - AUD299.4 million 2000/01 - AUD395.1 million 2001/02 - AUD274.7 million 2002/03 - AUD266.5 million TOTAL – AUD1,635.6 million

In the 2002 Federal Budget, the Government announced an additional AUD1 billion for the Trust, extending the funding for five more years and ensuring the future of many important ongoing activities. How Programme is A monitoring and evaluation strategy is in place at each level of the Trust Monitored/Evaluated delivery framework. The administration of the NHT meets benchmarks for comparable grants programmes. Participation/Results More than AUD1.4 billion of NHT and related programme funding has been approved for over 11,800 projects around Australia since 1996, involving almost 400,000 Australians. Funding has mainly gone to on- ground sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and environmental projects. Source/Further Information Http://www.nht.gov.au/ Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures; Payments Based on Farming Practices; Payments Based on Farm Fixed Assets; Technical Assistance/Extension; Regulatory Measures

Policy NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) ACT 1992 Agency -

Relevant Legislation Natural Resource Management (Financial Assistance) Act 1992

Overall Objective Its primary purpose is to facilitate the development and implementation of integrated approaches to natural resource management, in order to achieve efficient, sustainable and equitable management of natural resources and to be consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. Delivery Mechanism An Act to grant financial assistance in connection with projects relating to natural resources management, to establish a Natural Resources Management reserve, to establish a National Landcare Advisory Committee, and for related purposes.

Financial assistance is provided to:  Promotes community, industry and governmental partnership in the management of natural resources;  assists in establishing institutional arrangements to develop and implement policies, programmes and practices that will encourage sustainable use of natural resources;  assists in enhancing the long term productivity of natural resources; and  assists in developing approaches to help resolve conflicts over natural resources. Targets -

When Applied Established 1992. Framework agreements with the States and Territories have been in effect since 1 July 1993. Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs Payments to the States and Territories under the Act in 2000-2001 were:  Australian Capital Territory – AUD0.2 million  New South Wales – AUD9.7 million  Northern Territory – AUD2.2 million  Queensland – AUD6.7 million  South Australia – AUD4.8 million  Tasmania – AUD1.3 million  Victoria – AUD3.9 million  Western Australia – AUD5.2 million  TOTAL – AUD33.9 million

In addition, under Section 6 of the Act, other agreements were approved. During 2000-2001 a total of AUD2.24 million was expended on these agreements. Significant projects included support for Landcare Australia Limited and the National Landcare Facilitator. The Natural Resources Management Fund also contributed AUD0.46 million to meet expenses associated with the Australian Landcare Council and in administering the Act, including project assessment, communications projects, project monitoring and evaluation and sponsorship. How Programme is A report must be prepared each year on the operation of the Act and Monitored/Evaluated agreements made under it.

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/content/about_affa/annualreport/20002001/v1/appen dix6.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity; Other Sustainable Resource Practices . Type(s) of Measure: Community- Based Measures

Policy COMMOMWEALTH GOVERNMENT ENVIROFUND

Agency The Commonwealth Government ENVIROFUND is administered by the National Heritage Trust. Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective Envirofund is the local action component of the Commonwealth Government's AUD2.5 billion Natural Heritage Trust. It will help communities undertake local projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and sustainable resource use. Delivery Mechanism Envirofund will enable community groups to apply for grants of up to AUD30,000 to carry out on-ground actions to target local problems.

Projects will need to be completed within 12 months and help achieve one or more of the National Heritage Trust's objectives, which are available at: http://www.nht.gov.au/activities.html Preference will be given to projects that take a systematic and co-ordinated approach to dealing with an environmental problem. Targets -

Coverage/Eligibility To be eligible for funding from the Envirofund it is necessary to be part of a registered community group; a registered Indigenous community or organisation; or an individual proposing activities that have a very high public benefit. State/Territory and Local Governments are not eligible to apply for Australian Government Envirofund funding. Projects need to be completed within 12 months and must help to achieve one or more of the National Heritage Trust’s objectives. Costs AUD2.5 billion

Source/Further Information http://www.nht.gov.au/envirofund/index.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity . Type(s) of Measure: Community Based Measures; Research/Education; Inspection Control

Policy NATIONAL WEEDS PROGRAMME (NWP)

Agency The National Weeds Programme (NWP) is administered jointly by Environment Australia (EA) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia (AFFA), and is delivered through the National Heritage Trust (NHT). Relevant Legislation -

Overall Objective To reduce the detrimental impact of nationally significant weeds on the sustainability of production capacity and natural ecosystems. Delivery Mechanism Working with all levels of government, industry and the community, the programme aims to:  Develop integrated strategic approaches to reduce the impact of weeds of national significance;  Prevent the introduction of new pest plants through revised quarantine assessment procedures; and  Assess the potential of existing pest plants to become weeds of national significance.

In accordance with the objectives of the National Weeds Programme, funding will be allocated towards programmes that target weeds of national significance. Targets -

When Applied Established 1996/97 Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs 1996/97 - AUD2.1 million 1997/98 - AUD1.3 million 1998/99 - AUD1.6 million 1999/00 - AUD0.9 million 2000/01 - AUD4.6 million 2001/02 - AUD4.8 million 2002/03 - AUD13.2 million How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information http://www.nht.gov.au/programs/weeds.html Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum . Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education

Policy COMMONWEALTH AND STATE RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

Agency Various agencies conduct agri-environmental research, including:  AFFA’s Bureau of Rural Science Research  Primary Industries Division of Land and Water Australia  Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics  CSIRO Land and Water Department  Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies (CRES) within Australian National University  Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Relevant Legislation Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act 1989 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/piaerada1989531/ Overall Objective To provide quality research into primary industries in order to increase the economic, environmental and social benefits to the industries and the broader Australian community, and to achieve sustainable resource use and management of natural resources. Delivery Mechanism The Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act 1989 provides for funding and administration of research and development into primary industries, in order to:  Increase the economic, environmental and social benefits to primary industries and the broader Australian community; and  Achieve sustainable resource use and management of natural resources.

A number of research and development corporations have been established under the Act and are working towards these outcomes. The Natural Resource Management department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Australia (AFFA) works to co-ordinate and integrate natural resource management with research and development activities. This is achieved primarily through working in close collaboration with AFFA’s Bureau of Rural Science Research http://www.brs.gov.au/ and Land and Water Australia.

The Primary Industries Division of Land and Water Australia works to ensure natural resources are used sustainably to support profitable farming systems. It achieves this by:  Generating awareness and understanding of sustainability issues among farming families, regional communities, businesses and governments;  Developing industry capacity with tools, guidelines and methodologies to address the causes of un-sustainability and manage its symptoms; and  Illustrating policy options designed to promote sustainable land uses in the different regions of Australia. Examples of current programmes within the Sustainable Primary Industries arena include: Sustainable Grazing Systems; Climate Variability in Agriculture Programme; National Dryland Salinity Programme; National Programme for Irrigation R&D; and the Land Water & Wool Programme. http://www.lwa.gov.au/arenas.asp?section=24

Other key research and development corporations include:  Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) Land and Water Department – is dedicated to seeking solutions to complex land and water management problems. Its focus is on the delivery of innovative strategies and tools to meet Australia's natural resource management challenges. Its vision is to develop options for land and water management which are economic, socially acceptable and benign to the environment. CSIRO Land and Water has more than 500 staff in 8 locations around Australia. It has a budget of around AUD50 million a year, a third of which is derived from external and private sector sources. http://www.clw.csiro.au/research/agriculture/economic/publications.htm l  Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics (ABARE) - Its Natural Resource Management Directorate offers four programs that focus on issues arising from the use and conservation of Australia’s natural resource assets: water resource management; land use and environment; integrated NRM modelling and forestry management. It works with clients to critically analyse the nature of resource management issues and problems and to develop innovative and practical solutions. http://www.abare.gov.au/htdocs/research/nrmanagement/contents.htm  The Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies (CRES) within Australian National University was established in 1973. The objective of the CRES has been to undertake interdisciplinary research into a range of environmental and resource issues. Such studies focus primarily on Australia and are particularly concerned with policy options and implications. http://cres.anu.edu.au/about/ar2001.pdf

 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation http://www.rirdc.gov.au/about.html#who

Targets -

When Applied - Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs Research and development corporations invest around AUD100 million annually in projects providing environmental benefits. They increasingly treat the sustainable management of natural resources as an economic imperative. How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information AFFA’s Bureau of Rural Science Research – http://www.brs.gov.au/ Primary Industries Division of Land and Water Australia http://www.lwa.gov.au/arenas.asp?section=24 Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics http://www.abare.gov.au/htdocs/research/nrmanagement/contents.htm CSIRO Land and Water Department http://www.clw.csiro.au/research/agriculture/economic/publications.html Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies (CRES) within Australian National University http://cres.anu.edu.au/about/ar2001.pdf Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation http://www.rirdc.gov.au/about.html#who

Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Other Sustainable Resource Use . Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education;

Policy SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT OF RANGELANDS

Agency Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Australia (AFFA)

Overall Objective To ensure that sustainable land management practices are adopted by producers that raise livestock on rangelands. Delivery Mechanism Rangelands are lands where livestock are grazed extensively on native vegetation and where rainfall is too low or erratic for agricultural cropping or improved pastures.

AFFA supports a number of Government initiatives such as the National Guidelines and Principles for Rangeland Management 1999, the National Land and Water Resources Audit - Rangelands Monitoring theme, the Natural Heritage Trust and the National Landcare Program to achieve sustainable land management of rangelands.

AFFA has commissioned four reports to help primary producers and other land mangers in Australia's rangelands to adopt sustainable land management strategies and make better use of sound landcare practices. The reports promote a wider understanding of the many issues concerning sustainability in these often remote parts of Australia and also help to develop more effective policy and management options.

The four reports are:  The Rangelands: A Synthesis of Three Reports on Sustainable Natural Resource Management ;  Implementing Landcare in the Rangelands ;  Implementing Landcare in the Rangelands ; and  Sustainable Natural Resource Management in the Rangelands Targets -

When Applied - Coverage/Eligibility -

Costs -

Source/Further Information http://www.affa.gov.au/corporate_docs/publications/pdf/oper_env/armcanz/ armcanz-may28.pdf Matrix Classification:

. Country: Australia . Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality, Water Resources . Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education

Policy LAND AND WATER AUSTRALIA (LWA)

Agency Land and Water Australia is a statutory research and development corporation within the Commonwealth Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio. It was established as the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation in 1990 under the Primary Industries & Energy Research & Development (PIERD) Act 1989. Relevant Legislation Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act of 1989

Overall Objective LWA is specifically responsible for research and development (R and D) aimed at the productive and sustainable management of land, water and vegetation resources underpinning Australia’s primary industries and regional communities. Delivery Mechanism The Corporation has five research arenas:  Industries – Enhancing primary industry’s capacity to sustainable management of natural resources - AUD7.2 million.  Rivers – Understanding, tools and methodologies to inform more sustainable management of Australian rivers - AUD5.3 million.  Vegetation – Understanding, tools and methodologies to inform more sustainable management of vegetation in Australian rural landscapes - AUD2.7 million.  Future Landscapes – Knowledge to guide the development of future landscapes and industries – 0.7 million.  Cross-cutting activities – Enhanced understanding and tools to address integrated and cross-sectoral natural resource management issues – 4.7 million. Targets -

Costs Total appropriations and other revenue for the Corporation in the 2002/03 budget is AUD20 million (AUD11.9 million from government and AUD8.1 million form collaborative partners and other income.) Total expenditure in 2002/03 is 20.6 million. How Programme is - Monitored/Evaluated

Source/Further Information http://www.lwrrdc.gov.au/