The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, have today announced that 11 organisations involved in the fight against climate change and helping to preserve and protect the environment have been granted tax deductible status.
They have been added to the register of environmental organisations, meaning Australians can now claim a tax deduction for gifts to these groups.
The 11 organisations are:
- The Climate Institute (Australia) Ltd;
- The Australian Coral Reef Society Inc;
- Little River Landcare Group Inc;
- Millennium Kids Inc;
- Namoi Valley Environmental Protection Association Inc;
- River, Lakes and Coorong Action Group Inc;
- RiverSmart Australia Ltd;
- Save Our Waterways – Now Inc;
- South Gippsland Landcare Network Inc;
- Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter Inc; and
- The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust.
"The Rudd Government is doing its bit to help these organisations protect and enhance the natural environment and work to protect our nation from the ravages of climate change," the Assistant Treasurer said.
"At a time when the Australian community is watching international developments in climate change and the environment very closely, these 11 environmental organisations can now step forward and make an even bigger contribution," the Assistant Treasurer said.
"Every day individuals, community groups and organisations across the country are out working on our natural landscapes to protect and improve the health of the environment and we want to support Australians who donate to these organisations doing valuable work," Minister Garrett said.
"These groups span a remarkable array of Australian environmental causes, from wildlife rescue, waterway protection and rehabilitation and work to protect our sea country and coral reefs, reflecting the wide range of environmental priorities that we have in this country," Minister Garrett said.
Further information on the register of environmental organisations is available at www.environment.gov.au.
Background
The Australian Coral Reef Society Inc – promotes the protection and enhancement of the Coral Reefs of Australia.
The Climate Institute (Australia) Ltd – raises public awareness of climate change and promotes the development and implementation of policies on climate change and related issues.
Little River Landcare Group Inc – promotes a healthy and diverse environment, implements sustainable farming systems and manages land to achieve long‑term sustainability.
Millennium Kids Inc – provides a channel for young people to develop skills and take practical action on environmental issues.
Namoi Valley Environmental Protection Association Inc – protects, maintains and develops the natural environment in the Namoi Valley, in northern NSW.
River, Lakes and Coorong Action Group Inc – protects, conserves and enhances the biodiversity of the River Murray, Lakes Alexandrina and Albert and Coorong.
RiverSmart Australia Ltd – provides advice on simple and practical steps that all Australians can take to reduce their river footprint in their homes, schools, businesses or their farms.
Save Our Waterways - Now Inc – rehabilitates, restores and maintains Enoggera Creek catchment waterways and linked habitat areas by supporting and encouraging community participation.
South Gippsland Landcare Network Inc – helps to preserve, protect and enhance the environment of South Gippsland by working with government agencies and local businesses to achieve natural resource management outcomes.
Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter Inc – provides care and rehabilitation for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife.
The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust – protects and enhances Australian aquatic environments and their catchments, and facilitates learning, communication, and informed debate about these aquatic environments.