OPPOSITION WELCOMES NORTHERN TASK FORCE REPORT

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The Federal Opposition Spokesman on Northern and Remote Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald has today welcomed the delivery of the Report of the Northern Australian Land and Water Taskforce to the Government.

Senator Macdonald said that whilst he had not seen the contents of the Report which is expected to be publicly released early next year, he was pleased that the Taskforce had made recommendations to the Government. 

“The Northern Australia Land and Water Taskforce was an initiative of the Howard Government and was initially chaired by Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan”. Senator Macdonald said.

“A considerable amount of work was done by the original Taskforce of which I and my colleagues, Barry Haase, Ron Boswell and Warren Entsch were also members.

“The purpose of the Land and Water Taskforce was to map a path for the development of Northern Australia building upon the north’s competitive advantage particularly in the areas of water availability and suitable soils for extension of farming operations.

“With the south of the continent getting drier there are real opportunities to create secure food sources in the north of our continent, provided it was done in a careful, well planned and economically and environmentally sustainable way.

“With the change of Government in 2007 the composition of the Taskforce altered but the basic terms of reference continued.

“After 2 years I am pleased that the Taskforce has delivered its Report and I look forward to reading the contents.

“I hope the Report and its recommendations do recognise the value of Northern Australia and the significant part it can play in the future in the way of providing food and new development opportunities for Australia.

END

17 December 2009

Media contact Gordon Terry (07) 4771 3066 or 0427 960 255                                           

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