Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges:

(i) the importance of managing Phytophthora Dieback in protecting the vulnerable plant species and high value ecosystems in Western Australia, and

(ii) the work that has been done by Project Dieback Partners on integrated management as part of implementing the threat abatement plan; and

(b) urges the Government to continue to invest in the ongoing management of Phytophthora Dieback.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government recognises the threat posed by Phytophthora dieback to biodiversity and ecological communities and the importance of ongoing management. Under the Australian government's National Landcare Program there are eight projects in Western Australia that are contributing to addressing Phytophthora dieback and other environmental outcomes. The total value of those projects is over $14 million.

These projects are being delivered by a number of organisations, including regional natural resource management organisations. Examples include on-ground disease mitigation activities in the Ravensthorpe Range, planned for 2016, and 10,000 hectares of detailed vegetation mapping contributing to future dieback management in the Stirling Range. Project Dieback is, however, a WA government initiative that is funded by the Western Australia government. Questions about its ongoing funding arrangements should be directed to the Western Australia government.

Question agreed to.