Review of Plantations and Reafforestation Legislation
Express Examiner 27 July 2005
Review of Plantations and Reafforestation Legislation
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) is
calling for public comment as part of the statutory review of the Plantations
and Reafforestation Act 1999 and associated regulations. A discussion paper has
been released providing an opportunity for interested parties to make comments
and suggestions to improve the operation of the legislation. Copies of the
discussion paper and submission forms are available from www.dipnr.nsw.gov.au or
by phoning 1300 305 695, submissions close 1 August.
Support for Young Farmers
NSW Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Craig Knowles,
announced a new FirstFarmer program. This is to support a new generation of
sustainable agriculture with a program to help young farmers establish their
own properties via concessional finance. FirstFarmer will help successful
applicants buy into their first place and help ensure good resource management
of our rural land. Farmers manage 80% of the land mass in NSW and they are a
vital part of natural resource management. Support for FirstFarmer will be
linked to Natural Resource Management policy to ensure new young farmers are
equipped with the best practice knowledge associated with sustainable farm
practices. The Government is also seeking Commonwealth support for this
innovative scheme, which will be carefully monitored over the next 12 months, to
address the exodus of rural youth to the cities. More information on FirstFarmer
will soon be available from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and
Natural Resources and the NSW Farmers' Association.
2005 Justice Awards
Nominations are currently open for the annual Justice Awards presented by the
Law and Justice Foundation of NSW. These Awards are a great opportunity to
recognise the efforts of individuals and organisations working to increase
access to justice NSW, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged
people. Either individual or a group of individuals may be eligible for one or
more of the following Awards. Nominees can be recognised for a single
outstanding activity or, for achievement over a period of time;
The Justice Medal - sponsored by the Foundation and presented to an individual
for outstanding achievement in improving access to justice.
The Aboriginal Justice Award - sponsored by the NSW Attorney General's
Department and presented to an Aboriginal individual/group of individuals
demonstrating outstanding commitment to improving access to justice Aboriginal
people in NSW.
The Law and Justice Volunteer Award - sponsored by the NSW Bar Association for
outstanding commitment in a voluntary capacity to improving access to justice.
The Pro Bono Partnership Award - sponsored by the National Pro Bono Resource
Centre and presented to private law firms, community organisations and/or
community legal centres, which have developed a relationship resulting in
improved access to justice for disadvantage people.
Nomination forms are available from my office, or www.lawfoundation.netau/justice_awards
and close on 5 August 2005.
Valuer General
A second newsletter regarding land valuations has been released with the purpose
of providing landowners and members of the public with information about the
valuation system. Majority of local Councils have elected to issue the first
newsletter with the first round of rate notices for 2005. The newsletter is
available on the Department of Land's website www.lands.nsw.gov.au or from my
office. Should anyone wish a copy to be forwarded to them, please do not
hesitate to contact my office.
