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More money for Lake Eyre Basin projects

22 May 2009

Extra funding will be provided for projects to ensure the sustainability of the Lake Eyre Basin.

Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill has attended the seventh Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum in Hobart, where the South Australian, Queensland, Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments endorsed a five-year plan for the Basin.

"This is a great example of the Commonwealth working together with South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory on preserving one of our greatest natural assets," Mr Weatherill says.

The plan is the result of consultation with landholders, scientists, tourism operators, conservation groups and Natural Resources Management Boards.

South Australia committed an extra $116,000 to projects to assist these groups to better work together on enhancing the area, which is currently experiencing significant inflows of water.

The funding is in addition to the State's $125,000 annual contribution to the Lake Eyre Basin Agreement.

"South Australia's famed salt lake has had its first significant inflow of water since 2000," Mr Weatherill says.

"Lake Eyre Basin is one of the biggest inland river systems in the world, extending across the southeast of the Northern Territory, southwest Queensland and northeast South Australia.

"After eight years of drought, floodwater from Queensland is spreading across the surface of Lake Eyre at a rate of a metre per minute. Huge colonies of waterbirds have arrived and are starting to breed, transforming the region.

"It's important that everyone involved with the Basin can work together on ensuring the best long-term outcomes for the area, so I'm pleased to announce additional funding to that end."

Scientists conducting aerial surveys on the lake and the flood plains of south-west Queensland estimate that tens of thousands of pelicans, ducks and other water-birds have made their home in the wider Lake Eyre Basin region since water began to flow. An estimated six million birds of more than 60 species are expected, along with other wildlife, to be drawn to the region by the water. The area also is a popular tourist destination. 

The extra funding includes projects such as updating and printing mapping of the Lake Eyre Basin and work with Aboriginal communities.

"The agreed five-year plan will be assessed annually by the ministerial forum to monitor and evaluate progress and determine the next steps," Mr Weatherill says.