In addressing the objectives and strategies set out above, a number of themes emerge which address the specific concerns of certain stakeholder groups or which have particular coordination needs. In some cases, these themes are directly aligned to program objectives, while in other cases they cut across several objectives and strategies. The themes will be used for reporting purposes and they will provide a framework that special interest stakeholders can use to target their investments.

(Themes as they relate to the NDSP Objectives and Strategies)

Theme One: Audit and Monitoring

The extent and rate of change in dryland salinity and its impacts at regional and national scales is needed to support decision making and priority setting. Several NDSP activities aim to complement the National Land and Water Resources Audit dryland salinity work plan.

Theme Two: Industries

Of all industries impacted by dryland salinity, the grains industries are most under threat. At the same time, these industries are in a position to contribute significantly to the management of salinity for both industry profit and regional benefit. The Grains R&D Corporation will address industry issues under the framework of the NDSP.

Theme Three: Infrastructure management

Program activities intend to support investigation into the effects of salinity on local government infrastructure and road, communications and water supply infrastructure.

Theme Four: Policy and operating environment projects

Many activities aim to contribute biophysical, economic, and social knowledge to support better policies, institutional structures and incentives that will encourage appropriate management of dryland salinity and its impacts at local, regional, state and national scales.

Theme Five: State, regional and community initiatives

As significant investors in the management of dryland salinity and its impacts, state governments are key stakeholders in the NDSP. They also provide valuable links to regional and community activities. The NDSP will provide a framework for state, regional and community activities to be networked nationally.

Theme Six: New, emerging and other industries that use saline resources productively

In some parts of Australia, the productive use of saline lands is the only economically feasible option available. The NDSP provides a framework to foster support for new and emerging industries, or novel farming systems, which profitably use, or preferably assist the rehabilitation of salinised resources.

Theme Seven: Environmental protection and rehabilitation

Many program activities aim to support the protection and management of biodiversity, habitat and landscape amenity values threatened by salinity and its impacts.

Themes as they relate to the NDSP Objectives and Strategies

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