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Arid Lands business partnership

31 August 2010

The South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resource Management Board is inviting business to join a unique initiative that aims to increase productive partnerships in the region.

Minister for Environment and Conservation Paul Caica says the SAAL NRM board, based in the State's north, wants businesses to join their landmark Industry Partnerships Program to help achieve their goals and better support natural resources in the area.

Mr Caica says Australian energy pioneer Santos has become the first business to agree to the partnership by providing $125,000 to support the activities of the SAAL NRM Board.

"This is a unique initiative in South Australia that will see businesses partner with the SAAL NRM Board to accelerate the achievement of the region's natural resources management goals, particularly where there are issues concerning industry,' he says.

"Tourism, mining and petroleum and pastoral companies are big players in the region and the State Government, through the SAAL NRM Board, is eager to work with them.

"While the security and sustainability of the region's natural resources will benefit, participating businesses will also gain social, ecological and financial benefits from the program.'

Mr Caica says a wide variety of programs can be addressed via the partnership including water security, pest management, threatened species conservation and community engagement.

Presiding Member of the SAAL NRM Board Chris Reed says the Industry Partnerships Program will address priority issues and utilise best available knowledge.

"It will combine both the interests and investment of industry and government with the expertise of scientists and resource managers to address issues and drive improvements in the condition of key natural resources,'' he says.