Inquiry into
the extent and economic impact of salinity
Media release - Public hearing; Major Senate Report into Salinity Tabled
The Senate Environment Committee has released the report from their inquiry into the progress of programs aimed at addressing the problems of salinity in the Australian environment.
The inquiry has produced a unanimous report containing 23 recommendations aimed at ensuring further strong progress is made in addressing the economic and environmental consequences of salinity.
The inquiry was chaired by Queensland Democrat Senator, Andrew Bartlett , and also involved full participation from Liberal, Labor and Green Senators in examining the progress and effectiveness of measures that have been tried to date.
"Significant progress has been made in some areas in addressing the impact of salinity, but there is still a lot more than can be done such as coordinating research and communicating the results of scientific work in more useful formats; providing ongoing support and funding certainty to regional NRM bodies and extension workers; better engaging local government in salinity management; and leveraging large-scale private investment in new sustainable industries", Senator Bartlett said.
"The nature of salinity and ways to address it vary significantly from region to region."
"The Committee also believes that much more focus needs to be given to urban salinity. There is clearly still a lack of awareness about this problem and the immense costs in damage to buildings and infrastructure that can occur. Planning decisions are still being made that will result in the next generation having to live with the consequences.
The Committee therefore recommended that mapping be conducted in areas in which salinity is known to be a potential hazard before further urban development is approved in those areas. "We believe funding through the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, and the Natural Heritage Trust needs to be guaranteed for a much longer term."
"There is also clearly still a problem in some areas with land clearing not being effectively regulated. There is no point spending public money helping to fix up a problem if the behaviour causing the problem is allowed to continue."
"The report is titled Living with salinity – a progress report because we need to accept that salinity is part of the Australian environment. The challenge is to do much better in living with it, as well as doing more to repair and ameliorate the damage that has already been caused."
"The fact that this is a unanimous Senate Committee report signals to the government that it is an issue that is beyond party politics and requires cooperation across party lines and levels of government."
"The Committee urges the relevant government Ministers to respond promptly and positively to the recommendations contained in the report."
"Our report does not just reflect the conclusions of Senators, it is based on substantial evidence provided by many people at community level. Ignoring the report is equivalent to ignoring the efforts of the many people who took the time and effort to participate in the inquiry in their desire to contribute to a better future."
Copies of the report are available from the Committee’s website or by telephoning the ECITA Committee Secretariat.
28 March 2006
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Environment, Communications and the Arts
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia
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