Land use conflict between the agriculture and resource sectors in central Queensland was the focus of a government meeting held in Emerald today (July 27).
The meeting, which was attended by industry and community groups as well as state government members, discussed the development of a Statutory Region Plan to improve the cohabitation of industry groups.
State deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney said the Central Queensland Regional Planning Committee would act as a communicator for the community to address concerns and issues regarding the local resource industry.
“This committee will oversee the regional planning process and increase understanding within the community of the Central Queensland Regional Plan,” he said.
Mr Seeney said it was important to carry out community consultation to enable residents and businesses in the region to have an input into the plan.
Managing growth of central Queensland in a sustainable way to accommodate urban expansion and minimising the environmental impacts on the area are important factors of the plan.
“Central Queensland has diverse agricultural assets and an abundance of resource deposits,” Mr Seeney explained.
Plans will be drafted over the next six months – accommodating community input during that period.
