More of South Australia's pastoralists will be able to add value to their livestock businesses by offering accommodation and tourism experiences, carbon farming and conservation services as part of the next step in reforming the pastoral lands legislation.
Following extensive public consultation on the draft Pastoral Lands Bill, the Marshall Liberal Government will work with stakeholders to prepare policies for approved alternative land uses on pastoral leases which are complementary to sheep and cattle grazing.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham said consultation on the draft Pastoral Lands Bill showed strong support for the State Government's intention to strengthen pastoral businesses by facilitating alternative but complimentary land uses.
"Stakeholders are generally supportive of allowing alternate land uses on pastoral lands, however it is clear the community want greater clarity as to what land uses will be allowed under the new Bill and what the process will be to obtain approval," Minister Basham said.
"South Australia has missed out on a lot of carbon farming investment as a result of the restrictive nature of the current pastoral legislation and limited lease terms. By opening up opportunities for pastoralists to enter into 100-year leases we can support long term carbon farming and conservation agreements which exist alongside traditional grazing operations.
"Longer term leases will encourage pastoralists to invest in establishing tourism and accommodation facilities which will open up the northern rangelands for all South Australians to enjoy."
Minister Basham said almost 300 responses to consultation on the draft Pastoral Lands Bill were received, which demonstrates how much the community values our northern grazing country.
The Pastoral Board and State Government will work with key stakeholders, including Livestock SA, Outback Communities Authority, South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy, Arid Lands Landscape Board, Conservation SA and Aboriginal traditional owner organisations
Minister Basham said the pastoral lands cover more than 40 per cent of the state and contribute to South Australia's economy.
"My intention is for the alternative land use policies to be released publicly at the same time or before the Bill is presented to Parliament, expected later in 2021," Minister Basham said.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to ensuring future legislation is fit for purpose and provides greater flexibility in the management of pastoral businesses and of the rangelands.
"The draft Bill will also enable adaptation to future conditions and technologies and manage land condition to underpin the pastoral industry and provide for the conservation of key environmental values."
Further information can be found at www.pir.sa.gov.au/pastoral-act-review
