ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (21 June 2011).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Environment and Conservation has been advised:

1. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is reviewing its priorities to identify a range of operational and financial efficiencies. Supporting strategies and initiatives such as the Visitor Strategy and Linking Adelaide with Nature will assist by targeting effort and resources to meet the needs of the community.

2. Working with volunteers continues to be a high priority for DENR. DENR is putting significant effort into to the way community, including our volunteers are engaged and supported.

A review of DENR's volunteer support arrangements has commenced. This review is part of DENR's program to integrate Natural Resource Management (NRM) functions of the NRM Boards with the regional responsibilities of DENR.

3. Provisions exist within the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 to create a tiered framework for the co-operative management of National Parks and Conservation Parks. The co-management model in South Australia is a partnership with Aboriginal people that follows a single shared set of goals to manage land, a synergistic and inclusive approach and reflects a change in our thinking of combining traditional knowledge with contemporary park management. Native title negotiations often include Co-operative Management Arrangements with Traditional owners over parks.