Program themes

NDSP currently manages dryland salinity research, development and extension investments under seven key Program themes. An outline of each project, and contact details of project managers are listed in this profile to improve direct access to NDSP research, development and extension outcomes.

Theme 1 - Audit and monitoring

Several NDSP activities aim to complement the National Land and Water Resources Audit (NLWRA) dryland salinity work plan:

Theme 2 - Industries

A number of major industries are impacted by, and under threat from, dryland salinity. 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.

Theme 3 - 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 4 - Policy and operating environment

Many NDSP 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 impact at a local, State and national scale.

Theme 5 - 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 6 - Productive use of saline resources

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 7 - Environmental protection and rehabilitation

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