NATIONAL TRUST

In reply to Mr MARSHALL (Norwood—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (26 June 2012).

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): I am advised:

There is no specific funding for the National Trust of South Australia in the forward estimates of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

In 2011, the National Trust commissioned a review of the organisation and developed a Strategic Plan for 2012-15. The Strategic Plan identified what needs to be done to ensure the Trust's long term future and proposes changes that need to be made over the next three to four years. This is aimed at putting the Trust on a sound financial foundation. I have recently met with the President and Chief Executive of the National Trust and discussed the implementation of its Strategic Plan.

The Department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources (DEWNR) has continued to work closely with the National Trust to support the organisation through this change. In that context, DEWNR has recently re-negotiated the purpose of a $35,000 grant for one of the Trust's outstanding projects, to further support the Trust to increase its capacity in marketing and fundraising. There are two remaining grants totalling $190,000 that have been provided to the Trust to support the organisation's fundraising efforts. Projects related to these grants are due for completion in June 2013.