Blueprint to drive future of natural resources

A blueprint has been released to deliver better services and economic and social benefits to Queenslanders, fulfilling the Newman Government’s election promise to grow a four pillar economy.

Mr Cripps said the Department of Natural Resources and Mines blueprint outlined the government’s vision for the responsible and productive use of Queensland’s land, water, mineral and energy resources.

“We are setting a very clear path to provide a customer-focused and modernised government department that will support and encourage regional Queensland and grow the state’s economy,” Mr Cripps said.

“Unlike the former Labor government, we have a plan for the responsible and productive use of Queensland’s natural resources.

“The vision creates the foundation for how we will generate economic opportunities for current and future generations of Queenslanders.

“The blueprint has three strategic priorities, which identify the ways in which we will focus our energy and effort over the next three to five years.
 
“We will power up regional Queensland and the state’s economy, ensure a customer-focused delivery of services and will be the best natural resources management agency in Australia.

“There are also three key initiatives to enable the reforms we are working towards – modernising regulation, improving our business systems and developing our people.”

Mr Cripps said the Newman Government had made it clear that Queensland was open for business and his department had made practical changes to encourage and support industry to grow.

“Farmers and graziers are already benefiting from landmark reforms to Queensland’s vegetation management framework, which provide for a new generation of agriculture projects in Queensland,” he said.

“Landmark reforms for rural leasehold land and offshore tourism islands are currently before the parliament to increase security of tenure and certainty for rural and tourism businesses.

“Water planning and allocation is also moving into the future with a plan to ensure the aspirations of communities and industries are supported by a flexible and transparent water management framework.

“We are now paving the way for Queensland’s resources sector to grow with the ResourcesQ initiative, which will be overseen by the ResourcesQ Partnership Group, to develop a 30-year vision for the sector which will help modernise the regulatory framework for our resources sector.

“The future of Queensland’s agriculture and resources industries will be supported by a strong and responsive department with a solid plan.

“We are committed to deliver better services for Queensland and we have the plan and the tools to allow us to do so.”

To view the blueprint visit: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 2 April 2014

Media contact:  Kate Haddan 0418 373 516