CARING FOR OUR COUNTRY

In reply to Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (26 June 2009).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management): I am advised:

For 2008-09, the $19 million Caring for our Country funding program is the Regional Base allocation provided by the Commonwealth for funding the programs operated by the Regional Natural Resource Management Boards in South Australia.

This portion of Commonwealth funding is provided to the state via a Single Holding Account held as part of DWLBC's administered entity.

Within the Portfolio Statements these amounts are shown as Receipts—Grant and Subsidies and Expenses—Grant and Subsidies within the Administered Item Cash Flow Statement (refer page 11.67 and 11.68).

The $14.3 million relating to the State Complementary NRM funding portion is initially transferred as appropriation from Treasury to the DWLBC administered entity into the State Natural Resources Single Holding account. This comprises $16 million in total funding less the cost for administration and governance of both the Commonwealth and State program ($1.7 million comprising $125K each for DEH and PIRSA & $1.45 million DWLBC).

In the Portfolio Statements the total amount of $16 million is shown as a State Government Receipt within the Administered Item Cash Flow Statement (page 11.67 and 11.68) and then as payments within Expenses—Grants & Subsidies.

The remaining $4 million referred to relates to funding announced by the Commonwealth on the 21 July 2008 for the Landcare Sustainable Practices program. Unlike the Regional Base allocation, the $4 million for the Land Care Component of Caring for Our Country does not go through DWLBC entity and therefore is not reflected directly within the Portfolio Statements. Of the amount provided, $842K has gone to the regional NRM Boards, with the remaining funds distributed to non-government industry or environmental groups as well as some private businesses.