The Australian Government’s commitment to a competitive and sustainable Australian forestry sector is reflected in the Budget.
Senator Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, said an election promise to create a National Bushfire Mitigation Programme was included in the Budget.
“We are honouring our commitment to provide $15 million in the 2014-15 Budget for a National Bushfire Mitigation Programme to reduce the impact of bushfires, including fuel reduction programs and long-term bushfire mitigation strategies,” Senator Colbeck said.
“We are also demonstrating our commitment to the sector by supporting long-term Regional Forest Agreements. We will establish a 20 year rolling life to each RSA.”
“As promised, we will reverse the exclusion of native forest sourced wood waste as an eligible source of energy for Renewable Energy Certificates.”
“A Forestry Industry Advisory Council is being formed to ensure the views of the forest industry are considered in the development of the government policy and will be announced soon.”
“I look forward to working with industry to consolidate a strong future based on sustainable supply from both plantation and native forests.”
“We have a strong focus on research and development and the development of new forest based products providing the construction of material of the 21st century.”
• Supporting Australia’s world leading fisheries
The Coalition is delivering an election commitment to help the fishing industry around Australia provide more jobs and remain among the best managed in the world.
An additional $9 million has been allocated in the Budget for a range of measures including support for recreational and commercial fishing bodies, support for these groups to meet maritime standards, and a review of invasive marine pests.
Senator Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture said an investment of $5 million would help combat invasive marine pests that cause significant damage to fisheries.
“This program will strengthen marine biosecurity ensure Australia is well placed to protect our fisheries industries and environment from the effects of invasive marine pests,” Senator Colbeck said.
“It will help increase the profitability of Australia’s fisheries industries which is an important part of the economy.”
“$2.4 million has been allocated to recognise OceanWatch as natural resource management (NRM) organisation.”
“OceanWatch has been highly effective at encouraging sustainable practices among commercial fishers and managing impacts on the marine environment in consultation with communities,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Having an NRM organisation dedicated to the marine environment will ensure our fisheries sector can continue to supply high quality, sustainably sourced seafood now and into the future.”
“We’ve allocated $1 million, as promised before the 2013 election, to help recreational and commercial peak fishing organisations provide sustainable national leadership on fisheries issues. We’re also allocated $100,000 to help these organisations meet the cost of interpreting and implementing new national maritime safety standards.”
“We are committed to ensuring Australia’s fisheries are sustainable and underpinned by good science. That’s why we have allocated $500,000 for recreational fishing surveys to collect data on the social and economic impact of recreational fishing and to assess stock levels.”
The Coalition is demonstrating its commitment to Australia’s fisheries industry and recognises it as a key contributor to the nation’s economy, the environment, and to healthy lifestyles.
For more information on the new measures, visit daff.gov.au/budget
SENATOR THE HON RICHARD COLBECK Senator for Tasmania Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture
