Environment Budget Overview 2005-06
Environment and Heritage Portfolio
A message from the Minister
Protecting our environment and natural heritage for future generations is something all Australians can take part in.
This year the Australian Government continues to address Australia's top environmental concerns in a practical and targeted way, matched with historic levels of funding. Overall, the 2005-06 Budget increases spending for the environment and heritage to $3.2 billion, of which $923.7 million is committed to my portfolio alone.
This investment targets our most urgent environmental challenges like greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste, helping community groups manage and protect our natural resources through effective on the ground solutions. It supports existing programmes such as Envirofund under the $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust and other programmes through the National Action Plan on Salinity and Water Quality.
The Government has already demonstrated its commitment to meeting its 2004 election promises. The Government has committed $200 million over the next five years to the Australian Government's Community Water Grants, an important part of the new $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund.
Introduced weeds are harmful for agricultural productivity and for the environment, and $40 million - including $8 million from the Natural Heritage Trust - has been committed over the next four years to combat the menace of weeds.
The 2005-06 Budget has a strong focus on Australia's position as a world leader in environmental research. The Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) programme provides $100 million over five years to establish world class centres of environmental research that will benefit the entire community by helping our scientists understand and respond to environmental concerns.
The construction of an Air Link, which will operate between Hobart and the Antarctic, will cement Australia's reputation as a leader in Antarctic, marine and climate change research.
The Australian Government is funding a range of new technology projects, including: $2 million over three years to assist with the uptake of technologies to ensure industry recycles used oil; $5.7 million per year for two years to extend the popular Photovoltaic Rebate Programme-encouraging the installation of solar-electricity systems in buildings around Australia; and $1 million over three years for a scoping study into the use of hydrogen buses and establishment of hydrogen fuel depots in Australian capital cities.
I am pleased to present this overview of the Government's key outcomes for Australia's environment and heritage, which outlines spending on environment activities for 2005-06 and the years ahead. This includes all new environment-related measures managed by Australian Government portfolios as well as a summary of the work on which these initiatives build.
[Signed]
Senator The Hon. Ian Campbell
Budget statements
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