STATE LEASEHOLD LAND MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE OFF TO A PROMISING START

The first meeting of a stakeholder committee to advise the Queensland Government on rural leasehold land management and the implementation of the Delbessie Agreement took place today.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the members of the State Rural Leasehold Land Ministerial Advisory Committee had travelled from across the state to attend the meeting in Brisbane.

"This committee, appointed on 21 August this year, is made up of some of the best minds in rural land management in Queensland," Mr Wallace said.

"I met with the members earlier today to welcome them to their positions and to thank them for their participation in such an important role. This committee will guide the sustainable management of rural leasehold land into the future."

The committee will provide the Bligh Government with independent, expertise-based advice that will be used to implement the Delbessie Agreement. This agreement introduces an incentive-based land management system to secure the productive and environmental future of state rural leasehold land.

"The committee was presented with draft land condition assessment guidelines at the first meeting, which it will continue to provide input on in subsequent meetings," he said.

"The advice the committee provides will result in guidelines to assess land condition for use in land management agreements. Land management agreements are part of the application process for new and renewed leases affected by Delbessie."

Minister Wallace said the committee brought extensive skills to their roles, in areas such as rural industry, natural resource management, agricultural science, public policy, native title, cultural heritage, and environmental science.

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