LANDHOLDERS concerned about the impact of controversial new vegetation management laws are encouraged to attend a workshop in North Queensland.
AgForce and the NQ Dry Tropics’ Grazing BMP program are teaming up to run the two-day workshop which will be held at Wootonvale Station near Guthalungra and Bowen in June.
The workshop comes after new vegetation management laws were passed by parliament on May 3, despite widespread protests from landholders throughout Queensland.
Event organiser NQ Dry Tropics Grazing BMP co-ordinator Lisa Hutchinson said the aim of the workshop was to inform landholders on how their properties may be impacted by the new laws.
“It’s critical for landholders to get the right information which is why it’s great that Agforce has agreed to work with NQ Dry Tropics to deliver this one-off workshop,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) representatives from Townsville, Mackay and Emerald, will also attend to answer landholders questions, explain what is achievable under the current legislation and demonstrate how to conduct tree counts.”
She said vegetation management works would be carried out at Wootonvale Station on day one of the workshop, with DNR officers talking through the process to provide a clear outline on landholder and contractor responsibilities.
Ms Hutchinson said Agforce had offered to provide vegetation mapping packages for all landholders who provide Lot and Plan numbers of their properties one week prior to the workshop.
“This will allow landholders to ask specific questions relevant to their individual properties,” she said.
Day two of the workshop will introduce producers to property computer mapping and the use of a hand held GPS to assist in managing vegetation and requirements for compliance.
Landholders will learn how to transfer GPS data collected in the field to interpret and integrate this data into property mapping systems and compare against Vegetation Management Maps.
This workshop will be limited to the first 16 enterprises to register with Lot and plan details.
“I urge landholders to take advantage of this practical, hands on workshop that will help them build resilience into their businesses,” Ms Hutchinson said.
She said the new laws significantly changed what landholders could legally do.
“The objective of the two days is to provide clarity around what is legally allowed under the new legislation and to ensure producers have a point of contact at Department of Natural Resources and Mines should they need guidance,” Ms Hutchinson said.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 20.
Numbers are unrestricted but registration is essential.
To register contact Lisa Hutchinson on 0427594192 or lisa.hutchinson@nqdrytropics.com.au.