Answers to Questions

Native Vegetation

373 The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().28 August 2024). Can the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water advise:

1. What is the current balance of the Native Vegetation Fund?

2. What projects have been funded through the Native Vegetation Fund in 2024-25?

3. Is the government considering any increase to fees for clearance applications or any new fees and, if so, by how much and when?

4. Can you explain the increase, according to the Auditor-General, of the net assets of the Native Vegetation Fund from 19.799 million to $25.79 million?

5. According to the Auditor-General expenditure from the Native Vegetation Fund has fallen from $8.48 million to $5.9 million. Why has expenditure decreased?

6. What other projects or programs will the government spend the Native Vegetation Fund in 2024-25?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Climate, Environment and Water has advised:

1. The balance of the Native Vegetation Fund on 4 July 2024 was $29,460,077.

2. Existing projects funded in the 2024-25 financial year from the Native Vegetation Fund include:

revegetation grants for projects in the Hills and Fleurieu region; and

payments to property owners participating in the Biodiversity Credit Exchange program.

Incentive payments for new Heritage Agreement owners will also be funded in the 2024-25 financial year as they sign Heritage Agreements.

3. The fees for clearance applications increased by CPI on 1 July 2024 from $708 to $729 and the government is not considering new fees for clearance application.

4. The increase in the total equity of the Native Vegetation Fund from $19.77 million to $25.79 million in the 2022-23 financial statements is a result of movements in current assets and liabilities. In particular a decrease in the cash outflows due to reduced payments for grants and subsidies.

Expenditure was reduced as a result of updated advice in the 2022-23 financial year that restricted the activities that the fund can be used for.

5. The decline in expenditure is due to a reduction in income received in 2022-23 financial year compared to the 2021-22 financial year.

6. In 2024-25 the Native Vegetation Council plans to deliver a restoration grants program across the state available to landholders and organisations to implement and manage on ground restoration and revegetation projects.