Northern Territory budget 2006/2007 fails environment test.

EPA budget cut already?

The Environment Centre NT says the latest NT budget announced today fails the environment test.

Overall environment spending has increased by just 1.5% to $95.5 million. This new total represents a mere 3.8% of the total budget – slightly down on the previous year.

ECNT Coordinator Peter Robertson said the environment allocation is only one fifth of the amount budgeted for ‘Infrastructure’ ($482m).

“Our whole economy and ‘lifestyle’ are based on our natural environment and the services it provides.

“Without our unique and relatively unspoiled environment, tourism, agriculture and fishing would collapse or be seriously impacted.

“We are also concerned at what appears to be a cut to the budget for the creation of the EPA. According to a media release from the Chief Minister dated 8 June 2005, $3.5 million was to be allocated for the new EPA in this year’s budget. According to the budget fact sheet released today – ‘Building our great lifestyle into the future’ - the actual allocation is only $3.147m, a reduction of $350,000 in what is already an inadequate budget.

“The tiny amount of funding is far below what is needed if we are to maintain the quality of our environment and address the many issues and problems already taking their toll on our environment.

“We welcome what appears to be a net increase in funding for weed control of $580,000, but this sum is far short of what is required to even maintain the status quo, let alone bring dozens of rampant weeds under control.

“We also welcome the $1m for the Daly monitoring program.”

Further comment: Peter Robertson 8981 1984 / 0409 089 020