WA: Salinity threat still looms, despite $158 million boost

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2004
WA: Salinity threat still looms, despite $158 million boost

Conservationists say large tracts of Western Australian farming land are still in danger
of being lost to salinity.

The state government has committed $158 million to battle the problem.

And Premier GEOFF GALLOP says Western Australia will contribute to the National Action
Plan on Salinity and Water Quality.

The contribution will be matched by the federal government, resulting in $316 million
for the salinity program over five years.

But although the Conservation Council of Western Australia says the money will be wasted
without accompanying land clearing regulations.

Salinity affects about 1.8 million hectares of land in the state's south-west, costing
more than $600 million a year.

AAP RTV tc/hn/mj/as

KEYWORD: SALINITY WA (PERTH)

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