Rangeland reform moves to next phase, Duncan
Author: Wendy Duncan
Published on: 26-September-2011
The government’s response to the Rangelands Tenure Options Discussion paper has been released along with a commitment to progress six broad changes to the Land Administration Act 1997, according to Member for Mining and Pastoral, Wendy Duncan.
Ms Duncan has been closely involved in the rangelands reform process and the consultation with interested parties.
“The proposed changes to the act will enable a more effective, flexible and sustainable use of the rangelands,” Ms Duncan said.
The proposed changes to the Act include:
· A new form of tenure known as a rangelands lease to allow for multiple and varied uses of the rangelands;
· The provision for pastoral lease to be extended for a perpetual term;
· The requirement that the Minister has to renew compliant pastoral leases;
· A permit provision for “primary production activities” as in the Native Title Act;
· Facilitation of the conversion of variable term pastoral leases for up to fifty years;
· A mechanism for a streamlined process for the transfer of diversification permits on the sale or transfer of pastoral leases.
“In all cases the requirement will be that rangeland condition monitoring, feral animal and weed control will be consistent with all types of tenure. The rangelands lease and perpetual pastoral lease will require an Indigenous Land Use Agreement.”
“The feedback to the discussion paper was excellent,” Ms Duncan said, “suggesting new options that will make a great deal of difference to the financial security of pastoralists. It will also facilitate the establishment of new uses of the rangelands, such as carbon sequestration, tourism, aboriginal economic development and conservation. I am very pleased with the outcome and thank those who took the time to submit their views.”
“The commitment of Royalties for Regions funds to this process means that we
now have a specialist team focused on drafting the amendments to the legislation.”
Once drafted, the Bill will be made available for further public comment.
