WANTED: RURAL LAND EXPERTS

Experts in rural land management are being sought for a government committee which will advise the state government on the management and use of pastoral leasehold land.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said that the role of the committee would be to provide scientific, technical and policy advice on specific issues related to the implementation of the recently released State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy, otherwise known as the Delbessie Agreement.

“The Delbessie Agreement allows the standard 30-year lease to be extended to 40 or even 50 years where lessees demonstrate agreed environmental management practices and negotiate Indigenous access to the land,” Mr Wallace said.

“Queensland’s leasehold estate comprises 63 per cent of the state and is mainly used for pastoral, grazing or agricultural purposes.

“It’s important that we have a broad representation of experts across the geographic extent of the rural leasehold estate to advise on the implementation of this strategy.

“We are looking for a balance between experts from organisations, industry, gender, cultural and age groups.”

Mr Wallace said eight positions on the committee were open to the public for nominations.

Six voting positions are to be filled by an independent chairperson and individuals with expertise in natural resource management; environmental land management; indigenous land management; agricultural science; and social science.

They will be joined by five non-voting technical advisors, two of whom will be independent experts in natural resource management and the agricultural industry. The remaining three positions will be filled by advisors representing the state government departments of Natural Resources and Water; Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation; and Primary Industries and Fisheries.

“I encourage suitably qualified individuals to apply for this committee and contribute to this significant strategy,” Mr Wallace said.

An information kit outlining the role of the State Rural Leasehold Land Ministerial Advisory Committee, selection criteria for membership and application details can be obtained by e-mailing StateLandManagement@nrw.qld.gov.au or by telephoning 07 3224 8975.

Applications close at 5.00pm on 29 February 2008.

Media enquiries: Minister Wallace’s Office, 3896 3688.