Media Statement
GOVERNMENT RELEASES NORTHERN AUSTRALIAN LAND AND WATER
TASKFORCE REPORT
Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia Gary Gray today
announced the release of a landmark report by the Northern Australian Land and
Water Taskforce - an independent expert panel established to advise the
Commonwealth Government on opportunities for sustainable development in the
north.
“Northern Australia is a unique part of our country and integral to our national
identity,” said Mr Gray.
“It has its own challenges and possibilities quite separate from southern Australia.
“The Taskforce Report found that developing northern Australia as an integrated,
sustainable region presents a complex challenge that requires strategic focus,
national leadership and close collaboration between governments.
“The sustainable development of northern Australia presents a challenge to all
governments to ensure the realisation of the region’s economic potential does not
put at risk its unique natural and cultural environment.
“The Taskforce also stressed the planning and management of land and water
resources in northern Australia must account for Indigenous rights and interests.”
In particular the report identifies the potential for sustainable development through:
Expanding agricultural production by developing small scale, widely distributed
appropriately located production units – mosaic agriculture.
Intensifying production in the billion dollar beef industry through the irrigated
production of fodder crops across the north. An expanded beef industry also
provides the potential for sustainable wealth creation in indigenous
communities.
Protecting the north’s natural ecosystems to ensure the long term sustainability
of the multibillion dollar tourism industry.
The recognition of conservation and natural resource management across
northern Australia as a valuable contributor to the region’s economy.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE CANBERRA ACT 2600
Telephone: 02 6277 7680 Facsimile: 02 6273 4126
Acting on the opportunities for indigenous people to build on their comparative
advantage in providing customary and commercial services on the vast
indigenous estate in northern Australia.
The Commonwealth is working with the Governments of Queensland, Western
Australia and the Northern Territory to develop a coordinated response to the
Taskforce findings and recommendations.
A copy of the Northern Australia Land and Water Taskforce report Sustainable
copy of the CSIRO’s review of northern science undertaken for the Taskforce can be
Media Contact:
Paddy Fagan
0428 911 240
NEWS 
