TOWNSVILLE TO HOST QUEENSLAND’S PREMIER NATURAL RESOURCES CONFERENCE

Highly topical issues surrounding the sustainable management of North Queensland’s natural resources will be the focus of a major conference in Townsville next month.

The 2008 Natural Resources Conference on Thursday 4 September will explore issues that will affect the liveability and future prosperity of North Queensland.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said Townsville had been chosen as the first regional centre to host the third annual conference in recognition of the north’s vital role in the economic and environmental health of Queensland.

"The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Perish or prosper: balanced management of North Queensland’s natural resources," Minister Wallace said.

"This will be a vital debate on how North Queensland can progress while retaining the values that make it such a great place to live."

The event will be compered by James O’Loghlin, the award-winning host of ABC science show The New Inventors and held at the Jupiters Townsville Hotel and Casino.

Mr Wallace said topics that would be addressed included resilient farming, the Australian emissions trading scheme, indigenous land tenure, environmentally sustainable tourism and water recycling.

"Attendees will hear some of the latest scientific research in natural resource management, as well as listen to experts engage in spirited panel discussion about how to tackle the challenges of sustainable planning in the future," he said.

"The talks will cover a wide range of relevant topics. For example, one of the speakers will discuss 10 ways of building resilient agriculture that can better withstand conditions brought by climate change and how to produce more food, fibre and ecosystem services while improving and maintaining our natural resource base."

"Conference participants can also expect to hear about the current challenges and opportunities facing environmentally sustainable tourism in a future where energy, carbon and water availability become key constraints.

Mr Wallace said the conference would include an address on the legal and regulatory issues associated with greenhouse gas offsets under the proposed Australian Emissions Trading Scheme, which is scheduled for commencement by 2010.

The event will also explore recent changes to state legislation that include provisions to allow for renewable long-term leases of Indigenous land, with a look at how the human rights framework can assist the government to administer the law in a way that will improve the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders.

Water recycling will also be addressed, with a detailed look at the key costs, benefits and bottom line considerations when looking at integrating recycled water, stormwater and seawater into the urban water cycle.

For more information about the 2008 NRW Natural Resources Conference, go to: http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/events/nrconference/2008

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.