State commits $119m to enviro trust, tree planting

The state government has announced a commitment of $119 million for the Natural Heritage Trust Phase Three, over five years.

Agriculture and food; forestry minister Kim Chance said the NHT3 commitment included the Strategic Tree Farming project, which would result in 20 million trees planted by June 2008.

"Subject to negotiations with the regional NRM groups, NHT3 will continue funding of STF to at least current levels, and will ensure a minimum of an additional 2.2 million trees are planted each year to reduce salinity, improve water quality, increase biodiversity and offset carbon emissions in the atmosphere."

Mr Chance said that by 2012, STF would be capturing 280,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per annum.

The project would include plantings in the northern agricultural, Avon, South-West and south coast natural resource management regions.

"The funding continues the State Government's long standing commitment to the environment," the minister said.

"In addition to STF, the funding will provide protection and management of the state's priority assets and infrastructure including townships, water resources, biodiversity, marine and coastal ecosystems and sustainable agriculture systems.

"The NHT3 program will also provide economic and social benefits for regional communities through enhanced industry development and employment opportunities."

The Natural Heritage Trust program is funded jointly by the state and commonwealth governments, and is implemented through the regional Natural Resource Management groups in Western Australia.