Indigenous, environmental, agricultural and local government stakeholders are calling for better Lake Eyre Basin consultation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The diverse group representing many major stakeholders wants more time and better consultation from the Queensland Government on potential changes to laws which could affect waterways and land use in the Lake Eyre Basin.
They are responding to the Government's announcement on December 20 of consultation to amend the Regional Planning Interests Act, without providing meaningful detail on what amendments are proposed.
Leaders from AgForce, Desert Channels, the Lake Eyre Basin Traditional Owners' Alliance, OBE Organic, the Western Rivers Alliance, and Remote Area Planning and Development Board of Western Queensland (RAPAD) have written to the Premier and relevant Ministers seeking two critical actions from the government.
Firstly they want an extension of the consultation process.
They said the current deadline of January 24 was "near impossible" to meet taking into account the holiday period, the vast distances needed to be covered for meaningful consultation, and the lack of detail on proposed changes.
Secondly they want the government to support a genuine multi-stakeholder discussion with local governments, Traditional Owners, agricultural and resource industry representatives, local Natural Resource Management groups, and conservation groups which could be facilitated by RAPAD.
The group said this would be a transparent and effective way of negotiating appropriate legislation for the region which achieves a balance between cultural, environmental and economic interests.
"The rapid formation of a diversity of stakeholders into the Lake Eyre Basin partnership provides a unique and powerful group for constructive consultation, and underlines the importance of the Lake Eyre Basin," the group said in a statement.
"Members of the group consider themselves partners in the consultation process and share a common desire to foster optimal outcomes for the communities and environment of the Lake Eyre Basin.
"The Lake Eyre Basin partnership believes the best outcomes will be achieved if local government, environmentalists, traditional owners and industry work together to provide guidance and feedback on the government's proposed changes to the Act."
READ ALSO: Expert slams feral camel cull
While you are here subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox at 6am every Friday