We are capable of imaginative thinking and solutions that can be world's best practice.

The challenge before the Group now is to adapt to the changing funding environment and go to the next level of activity, securing funds for further projects from a range of government, industry and community bodies.

The marketing of organically grown beef from the Channel Country is one example of making the most of a chemical-free, natural environment.

BASIN PROCESS IS UNIQUE

Above, Don Blesing, Chair of the Lake Eyre Basin Coordinating Group speaks to members at the combined meeting in Longreach on November 6, 2001.

“This is a community-driven process asking State governments to treat the Lake Eyre Basin as a whole and ignore traditional boundaries.”

Phillip Toyne was addressing the annual combined meeting of the Lake Eyre Basin Coordinating Group at Longreach on the 6th of November and was optimistic about the Group and its future.

“We are capable of imaginative thinking and solutions that can be world’s best practice.

“The marketing of organically grown beef from the Channel Country is one example of making the most of a chemical-free, natural environment.”

According to Phillip Toyne, the challenge before the Group now is to adapt to the changing funding environment and go to the next level of activity, securing funds for further projects from a range of government, industry and community bodies.

The Coordinating Group is currently running 10 projects including Parkinsonia Control, Heritage Tourism, and Water Information System for the Environment (WISE). These are funded by a variety of Government programs, the principle one being the Federal Government’s Natural Heritage Trust (NHT).

As part of its ongoing work, the Group is identifying other projects that need to be undertaken to support the sustainable natural resource management aims of the community of the Lake Eyre Basin and governments.

The message that community organisations are getting very loud and clear is to develop projects that deliver real benefits to the community. The Lake Eyre Basin Coordinating Group is now in a strong position to do this following extensive consultation and planning over the past few years.

“Governments are interested in assisting community groups who have strong community backing and the skills to manage projects,” says Lindsay Nothrop of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Australia and the Commonwealth Government observer on the Coordinating Group.

“Governments do not wish to just throw money at fixing problems; they also want to be assured that the natural resources will be better managed in the future.

“While expenditure is in the short term, government’s sights are set on 40 to 50 years out.”