National proposes work-for-the-dole environment scheme

The unemployed would be used to staff environmental projects in a work-for-the-dole scheme, National leader Don Brash said today.

Launching his environment policy, Dr Brash said a National government would introduce community work schemes for the long-term and young unemployed to enhance the environment.

"National knows that economic growth and improving the environment go hand-in-hand," he said.

National also announced it would create a $7 million a year fund to back community conservation projects for native flora and fauna.

Funding for the projects would be allocated by an advisory board independent of the Department of Conservation (DOC).

"National believes that protecting our special native birds like kiwi and kokako is best done in partnership with communities.

"The benefit of community conservation is that taxpayer dollars go further and communities take ownership of saving local flora and fauna," Dr Brash said.

Protecting New Zealand's unique environment should not be the sole preserve of government agencies.

National applauded the Maungatautari Restoration Island Trust which had been raising funds for several years towards restoring the forest and creating a pest-free environment, he said.

National's environment policy also includes:

* establishing an Environment Protection Authority incorporating the existing Environment Risk Management Authority to develop consistent environment standards;

* establishing 25 new camping grounds on DOC land;

* legislating to ensure local people and recreational users have a greater say in the development of marine reserves; and

* engaging with recreational and outdoor groups to better involve them in conservation decision-making.

- NZPA