Dr. Constable questions the efficiency of multiple departments addressing salinity in the wheat belt versus a single coordinated department. The Premier defends the existing multi-agency approach, citing coordination through committees and councils.

AnsweredQoN 225Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 August 2000
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

225. Dr CONSTABLE to the Premier:
What are the benefits of having four Government departments and numerous Land Care Committees address the salinity problem in the wheat belt over creating and resourcing just one Government department to co-ordinate all action and expenditure on salinity?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 November 2000
Response time
97 days
The Minister Replied:
The Cabinet Standing Committee for Salinity Management established in 1996, ensures a "whole of government' approach to salinity.
The State Salinity Council, also established in 1996, which comprises community and industry representatives, ensures co-ordination between community landcare groups and government agencies.
The Commonwealth makes its contribution through the Natural Heritage Trust. Funding through the Trust is made available through a process closely aligned with the State Salinity Council.
The Government is committed to ensuring agency actions are carried out in partnership with community catchment and other salinity management groups.
The continuing co-ordination of all government departments providing highly specialised areas of expertise in their respective fields by the Cabinet Standing Committee for Salinity Management is the preferred option for Government.
Similarly, the co-ordination of landcare activities, through Regional Natural Resource Management groups and the State Salinity Council is the preferred Government option for dealing with community based Natural Resource Management groups.

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