A review of SA's Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989 has been launched by the state government to help determine new economic opportunities for 410,000-square kilometres of pastoral rangelands.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said a discussion paper had been released to gain feedback on the present act which he said was "outdated" having been established 30 years ago.
"Since the act was established there has been major change in farming practices and the adoption of technology on-farm, so this review is a much-needed step in realising greater opportunities for the pastoral lands in SA,' he said.
Mr Whetstone said the state government hoped to grow livestock activities on on pastoral areas in particular and was working out how more flexibility could be provided to leases while still preserving the land.
"The use of the pastoral rangelands, which covers 40 per cent of the state, contributes to SA's economy and industry, and is important for Aboriginal culture and supporting local communities," he said.
"Being flexible about land use will allow businesses to diversify, to better manage income and risk, and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
"This will need to be balanced with the necessity of maintaining the condition of the land for future generations, and recognising the rights of existing users."
Key stakeholders and people with an interest in the pastoral rangelands are invited to take part in the review of the act and provide their views on its future management.
Among the areas the government is keen to hear feedback on is whether pastoralists see the current 42 year leases as appropriate or whether a different lease length should be considered.
Also up for discussion is whether land value is the most appropriate way to determine lease costs and whether the Pastoral Board and Dog Fence Board should be combined.
Following this initial consultation period, a draft of the new legislation will be prepared for public review.
Visit yoursay.sa.gov.au/pastoral-rangelands by September 13 to access the consultation discussion paper.
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