Senator PARER (Resources and Energy) (3:09 PM) —In question time yesterday Senator Bartlett asked me a series of questions relating to the Howard government's Cape York Natural Heritage Trust plan. I have made inquiries and received the following information: before the last election the coalition promised to provide up to $40 million from the Natural Heritage Trust to protect the conservation values of Cape York. That commitment has been honoured in full. Up to $40 million is being provided through the Cape York Natural Heritage Trust plan for an integrated package of measures which will protect the region's environmental values and ensure the industries operating in Cape York do so in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

The plan follows the completion of the Cape York Peninsula land use strategy, CYPLUS, stage 2, which was initiated jointly by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments. The Cape York Natural Heritage Trust plan builds on CYPLUS stage 2 and is consistent with the majority of that report's recommendations in relation to conservation management. The Cape York Natural Heritage Trust plan is being supported by a cross-section of stakeholders on the Cape, and both governments are confident that the plan will be implemented in the spirit of cooperation by the stakeholders in the region.

Senator Bartlett claimed that the government rejected the recommendations of CYPLUS to undertake an assessment of conservation values in the region. This is not the case. Strategy 6 of the plan, which is titled `Assessment of natural and cultural values', provided $250,000 for further assessment work. It is true, however, the government is not waiting for the results of that assessment before getting on with the job. Considerable assessment work was undertaken at the cost of several millions of dollars during CYPLUS stage 1. The government has, therefore, allocated the majority of funds to strategies which will protect the environmental values of the region.

To allow for a higher level of community input and ownership of the process, the Commonwealth and Queensland governments have established a Cape York region advisory panel. That panel includes a cross-section of Cape York interests, including indigenous groups, pastoralists, miners, local government and conservationists. Both governments are aware of concerns that have been raised by indigenous groups and other stakeholders about indigenous representation on the panel. Senator Hill and his Queensland counterpart have been discussing some additions to the panel which will strengthen indigenous representation. I understand that a decision in this respect is expected shortly.

I table a copy of the Cape York Natural Heritage Trust plan, which I suggest Senator Bartlett might like to read.