The McGowan Government has introduced legislation to modernise and improve the effectiveness of the Western Australian Soil and Land Conservation Council.
The amendments to the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 will pave the way for a skills-based Council, with members appointed by the Agriculture and Food Minister based on their expertise and experience to help drive soil conservation and ecological sustainability.
The Council will be comprised of members with involvement in soil science and conservation, agricultural production, environmental conservation, land management, local government and planning and pastoral land management, rather than representation from stakeholder groups.
The Bill makes provision for three year membership terms with the option for extension, as well as appropriate remuneration.
The changes are in response to recommendations by the Soil Ministerial Advisory Committee, which undertook extensive consultation across industry, government and academia.
The McGowan Government in 2019 resurrected the statutory Soil and Land Conservation Council, which had been defunct for 16 years.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Our Government is committed to taking action to improve the land condition and health of WA's diverse soils - from the Kimberley to the South Coast - to boost agricultural production and create employment opportunities across the regions.
"These pragmatic changes will enable the Soil and Land Conservation Council to be more agile and effective in advancing measures and strategies to improve the condition of the State's soil and land resources.
"The proposed amendments will bring a broader, more innovative approach to the Council's role to coordinate, monitor and review land use and soil and conservation policy, rather than having a purely regulatory focus.
"This will provide for a reinvigorated Council to conserve and enhance our valuable land resource for sustainable use for generations to come."
