EXPERIENCED beef industry leader David Larkin will lead a newly appointed Pastoral Board, as the government review of the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989 continues.
Six members have been appointed to the board, which will continue to administer the existing act.
Alongside the Hancock Agriculture chief executive officer is previous board member Mark Fennell, Lambina Station; Livestock SA Northern Branch chair Colin Greenfield, Billa Kalina; Bruce Nutt, Pandurra; National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia general manager Tammy Partridge; and former board deputy Jenny Treloar, Wadnaminga Station.
James Morgan, Mark Anderson, Karina Sheehan, Jodie Gregg-Smith, Sharon Oldfield and Keith Slade have been appointed as deputies.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the new board brought a range of industry skills and experience to the management of the Pastoral Act.
"I'm pleased to appoint board members with a range of skill sets that will drive better economic outcomes for our pastoral region," he said.
"Our cattle and sheep industries alone contributed $2.9 billion to the state's economy in 2017-18 and these sectors rely on strong, well-informed decision-making in the pastoral region.
"The board's new members will provide a unique insight into pastoral issues and growth opportunities and improving the outcomes for our producers in the pastoral zone.
"I would like to thank the outgoing board members for their professional approach and valuable advice and service over the past three years."
RELATED READING: Longer pastoral leases sought in Act review
Mr Whetstone said the review was still important to the government.
"The government wants to grow livestock activities on our pastoral areas and capitalise on the economic opportunities these vast lands represent," he said.
"The use of the pastoral lands, which cover 40 per cent of the state, contributes to SA's economy and industry, and is important for Aboriginal culture and supporting local communities.
"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."
- Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Click here to sign up to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.