TALKS ONGOING ON RURAL LEASEHOLD RENTS

Talks between the Queensland Government and Agforce are underway on the development of a fairer rural leasehold land rental system, Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said today.

“Even though the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) released the annual property valuations for 38 of the 124 local government areas on Monday, annual leasehold rents are not required to be calculated until July,” Mr Wallace said today.

“I am please to confirm that detailed talks on reforming the rental system are taking place between the Queensland Government and our Blueprint for the Bush partners, AgForce, as rural leasehold land rent is an important issue.

“I am committed to continuing to work with AgForce in the resolution of this priority issue, and with continued goodwill I hope to make an announcement on a package of reform in March 2007,” he said.

One feature of this new round of valuations is that prices for rural properties remain buoyant in spite the drought, demonstrating confidence in the long-term future of the grazing industry.

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