It's been a long road since the idea of an update to the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989 was first mooted back in 2019.
Literally, when you consider all the kilometres that were traveled by pastoralists and Livestock SA and PIRSA representatives in the course of gathering feedback.
After all the conversations, draft bills, more feedback and meetings, I can empathise with the disappointment felt when the legislation was "returned to consultation" earlier this year.
And with Parliament not sitting again, not only for this year but until the election, the future of the act is very dependent on how SA votes.
While it is important to ensure the balance is right between farming practices, other practices and conservation, that remains true for any part of Australia.
RELATED: Progress slows on pastoral act
Hopefully there is at the very least something to come out of all the discussions about what is wrong with the present act, namely the inadequate funding for an area that takes up 40 per cent of the state and the lengthy delays in inspections.
But in the lead up and following the upcoming state election, you can be sure that we will do our bit to keep the pressure on both sides of the governmental divide and keep asking "what's happening with the Pastoral Act?"
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Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
