With reference to Tasmania’s Understorey Network:

(1)   Why has the organisation been defunded,

(2)   does the organisation have three part-time dedicated staff,

(3)   is the organisation’s membership increasing,

(4)   does the organisation produce more then 20 000 seedlings and 5 000 cuttings each year for revegetation,

(5)   are more then 80 people helping with the growing of plants,

(6)   was an evaluation of the Understorey Network’s success in environmental repair done before decisions were made about its funding for the 2008-09 financial year.

(1)   The Understorey Network was contracted by the Tasmanian Natural Resource Management (NRM) South regional body to undertake specific projects that finished on 30 June 2008. NRM South has advised that at no stage has core funding been provided to this organisation, nor any commitment made for contracts beyond the end of the 2007-08 financial year. The Understorey Network were advised by NRM South to investigate other sources of funding beyond 30 June 2008, including seeking an economic return from the work undertaken.

(2)   I have been advised that the organisation employs: Project Coordinator - 4 days a week Nursery Manager - 1 day a week Program Manager - 1 day a week

(3)   I have been advised that the membership of the organisation increased from 90 in 2005 to 270 in 2008. Membership comprises local councils, schools, Landcare groups and individuals.

(4)   I have been advised that in the 2007-08 financial year, the organisation produced more than 20,000 tubestock seedlings and 5,000 cuttings for revegetation.

(5)   I have been advised that seedlings and cuttings are grown in around 70 separate backyards. The network also runs a community nursery in partnership with People with a Disability. More than 10 volunteers work regularly at the nursery.

(6)   An evaluation of the current projects has not yet taken place as the projects officially finished on June 30 2008. The final reports are due within 90 days of this date.