The National Dryland Salinity Program (NDSP) was established in July of 1993 as a means of improving the coordination of Australia's research, development and extension (R,D&E) effort directed towards better management of dryland salinity across rural Australia. The first phase of the Program was completed in June 1998.

Since the establishment of the NDSP, the impacts of dryland salinity have become better appreciated. It has long been known that salinity threatens the viability of many Australian agricultural enterprises. However, it is only since the establishment of the NDSP that there is now also a better understanding of the extent to which rural infrastructure (roads, buildings and properties), environmental resources (native vegetation, wetlands, flora and fauna), and access to quality water supplies are threatened. The impact of salinity is felt hard by rural communities in many regions of Australia, and is being felt increasingly throughout urban Australia as well.

In response to the need to more fully address the issues of dryland salinity, and to hasten the communication and adoption of the lessons of the NDSP, a second phase of the program has been established. This phase will endeavor to support:

• a wide range of communication activities, with an initial focus on extending outputs from Phase I;
• research to better understand the complex interrelationship between managed ecosystems, rural landscapes and hydrogeological systems;
• research, development and extension to provide options for improved management of landscapes threatened by salinisation to maintain their potential for productive use and biodiversity conservation;
• research, development and extension to further develop understanding, and demonstrate principles and practices, that enable the beneficial use or rehabilitation of salinised landscape resources;
• research and development to provide options for creation of economic, social, institutional or legal incentives or mechanisms that encourage prevention of salinity and management of its impacts; and
• research, development and extension to improve understanding of principles, and demonstrate the practices, that address the causes, costs and consequences of salinity as it relates to industry, biodiversity, regional communities and governments.

The second phase of the NDSP remains an R,D&E program. The investment targets development of understanding and tools which will support on-ground works financed by other programs such as the Salinity Action Plan in WA, Salt Action in NSW and Victoria, and components of the Natural Heritage Trust such as Bushcare and Landcare. It will also target the adoption of best management practices by land managers. Partnerships with industry groups will provide opportunities to access important extension networks to communicate with farmers and other stakeholders.

This Management Plan describes in general terms how the program will achieve its goal, provides detailed information about the program's objectives, strategies, management and operation as the basis for interaction with clients and stakeholders, and provides the means for assessing the program's progress towards achieving its aim and objectives.

Above all, the Management Plan is intended to provide a framework for facilitating cooperation and collaboration between all groups and organisations involved in, or wishing to become involved in, the prevention and management of dryland salinity.

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