QUEENSLAND’S PREMIER NATURAL RESOURCES CONFERENCE OPENS TODAY IN TOWNSVILLE

More than 100 delegates from across the state have converged in Townsville to attend Queensland’s premier natural resources conference today.

Attendees at the 2008 Natural Resources Conference have travelled from as far as Cairns, Mount Isa and Brisbane to listen some of Australia’s most respected scientific and legal minds talk about the sustainable management of the north’s land and water.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the one-day conference will feature a program of talks on agricultural management, environmentally sustainable tourism, indigenous land tenure, carbon offset trading and water recycling.

“The north is an economic generator for Queensland and a conference focused on the balanced management of its natural resources is extremely timely,” Mr Wallace said.

“The conference will feature talks about the latest scientific research in natural resource management. It will also provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss how the government and industry can work together to sustainably manage our natural resources, in order to ensure a prosperous future for North Queensland.”

Attendees include graziers, local councillors, conservationists, scientists, researchers, solicitors and representatives from regional water boards, the state government, natural resource management groups and mining and sugar cane industries.

Townsville is the first regional centre to host the state conference, centred on the theme ‘Perish or prosper – balanced management of North Queensland’s natural resources’.

The event will culminate in a spirited panel discussion from conference speakers and representatives from the state government and natural resource management bodies about how industry, community and government can jointly tackle the challenges of sustainable planning in the future.

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