Senator O'Brien asked the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, upon notice, on 11 November 2002:

(1) What evaluation has been made of the effectiveness of the Eden Region Adjustment Program.

(2) What 2001-02 funding has been carried over in 2002-03.

(3) Why has this funding been carried over.

(4) Which funded projects expected to be completed in 2001-02 were not completed.

(5) For each delayed project, can the following information be provided:

(a) approved grant recipient;

(b) original and revised project completion dates; and

(c) reason for delay.

Senator Ian Macdonald (Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) —The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) The broad objective of the Eden Region Adjustment Program is to supplement investment by businesses in the Eden region to create long-term employment and to advance the economic development of the Eden Region. The effectiveness of the program can be measured by the amount of new investment made and the number of long-term jobs created.

The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA) seeks regular feedback from grant recipients to determine the level of investment and number of jobs created. To date (14 November 2002) investment totals $6,054,814 with 102 jobs created.

Not all projects have been completed yet.

(2) As at 14 November 2002, $435,000 of 2001-02 funding has been carried over in 2002-03.

(3) Due to project delays, encountered by the grantees.

(4) Boydtown Pty Ltd, ARV Motorhomes Pty Ltd and Goldbat Pty Ltd.

(5)