GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS APPOINTED

Members of the Queensland Great Artesian Basin Advisory Council have been appointed to a new three-year term, Minister for Natural and Resources and Water Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace said the council’s reconstruction, which included two additional environmental representatives, was endorsed by Cabinet in November.

“The council has played a key advisory role in developing a water resource plan for the Queensland section of the GreatArtesianBasin,” Mr Wallace said.

“It will continue to play an important role in the implementation of the resource operations plan, which is due to begin early next year.

“Council members represent a balance of cultural, economic and environmental interests, and the new term will see many members of the previous council continuing their role.”

Murilla Shire Mayor Roderick Gilmour was reappointed as the council’s chair.

“I welcome the new members and also those continuing from the last term, many of whom have been actively involved in GreatArtesianBasin management for many years,” Cr Gilmour said.

“Together we will provide the best possible advice about the management of this valuable natural resource.”

The first meeting of the new advisory council will be held in February 2007.

The council has 14 members, including the chair.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.