Rangelands

My doctoral thesis, completed in 2004, advocated multiple use of the rangelands to a) another source of income for the grassmen when cattle and sheep prices are down, drought is prevalent and other such economic downturns and b) help rest the rangelands and make use of other sources the rangelands have to offer. Today I read on my email an article from Outback Australia stating that laws were being prepared to come forth to do just that! So pleased that the rangelands and their carers, the grassmen and Aborigines, will get help at last! I am cheering!

Hi Colleen, I’ve got exciting news to share. The WA government has taken the first official step in Outback law reform and it wouldn’t have happened without your help! On Friday, ‘rangelands reform’ made the headlines of The West Australian Business pages with the news that the WA government will now start formally drafting new Outback laws. Late last year, vital aspects of these reforms faced an uncertain future. Our Outback, Our Story supporters were asked to send a message to government ministers encouraging a positive outcome, and we all responded in droves. You gave a few moments of your time to send a message and it's made a big difference. Thank you! Sweeping changes announced on Friday will give Outback people greater flexibility in managing the land and the option to diversify into more sustainable enterprises. These opportunities, such as tourism and conservation, will be supported by a new Rangelands Advisory Board – a key element of the reform that has now been officially approved by government. See what the reforms mean for the Outback in a blog post on our website. Last week’s announcement lays the foundations for exciting changes, and this is when the fun really begins. In April, the draft laws will be released and members of the public will be offered the chance to have their say. We’ll need to secure the best possible outcomes for the Outback, and by working together I’m confident we can bring lasting and positive change. So stay tuned and tell your friends about us so we can have the biggest impact when the Outback needs it most. Thank you for helping show that people all over WA are concerned about the future of the Outback. Cheers, David David Mackenzie Director, Partnership for the Outback OurOutbackOurStory.org.au