471

Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers Program

To support community-based environmental projects to improve the health and ecological condition of rivers and wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin, to give effect to Australia's obligations under one or more of the following:

(a) the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment, particularly Articles III(1), IV(3), V and VI(a);

(b) the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their Environment, particularly Articles III(3) and IV;

(c) the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Protection of Migratory Birds, particularly Articles 3(3), 4 and 5(a) and (b);

(d) the Convention on Biological Diversity, particularly Articles 8(d), (f) and (h);

(e) the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, particularly Article III;

(f) the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, particularly Articles 3(1) and 4(4);

(g) the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa, particularly Articles 4(2)(a) and 5(a) and (d).

472

Immediate Assistance Fund

To provide funding to States and Territories and to industry to improve Australia's capacity to respond to pest and disease incursions, including for:

(a) provision of immediately available resources to facilitate rapid response and containment of pest and disease incursions; and

(b) deployment of and access to national and international experts; and

(c) access to specialised equipment required for the following:

(i) aiding responses to biosecurity incidents;

(ii) pest and disease eradication; and

(d) provision of improved information to inform decision making; and

(e) undertaking emergency preparedness activities.

This objective has the effect it would have if it were limited to providing funding:

(a) with respect to trade and commerce with other countries; or

(b) with respect to quarantine; or

(c) to give effect to Australia's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, particularly Article 8(h); or

(d) for measures that are peculiarly adapted to the government of a nation and cannot otherwise be carried on for the benefit of the nation; or

(e) by way of grants of financial assistance to States and Territories.

473

Great Artesian Basin Lynn Brake Scholarship Grant Program

To fund a scholarship program for students which supports research related to the Great Artesian Basin.

474

Lake Eyre Basin Justin Costelloe Scholarship Grant Program

To fund a scholarship program for students which supports research and understanding in relation to the Lake Eyre Basin Agreement Area (as defined by the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement made on 21 October 2000, as in force immediately before the commencement of this item).