The State Government has appointed six new members to the Soil and Land Conservation Council (SLCC) to oversee efforts to protect and enhance Western Australia’s valuable soil and land assets for future generations.
The new appointments follow a statutory revision of membership of the council, which was resurrected after a 16-year hiatus in 2019.
The council is charged with providing independent, evidence-based advice to the of Soil and Land Conservation Commissioner, while also providing policy advice to the Agriculture and Food Minister on State and Federal government programs and activities.
The continuation of existing members, research scientists Dr Hayley Norman (chair), Dr Richard George (deputy chair) and farmer Bob Nixon, will ensure a smooth transition of the council, as it continues its crucial role in guiding policy and program commitments.
The new SLCC members are:
- Rhys Turton – farming;
- Wendy Bradshaw – farming and land conservation;
- Dwayne Mallard – Aboriginal land regeneration;
- Emma-Jane Foulkes-Taylor – pastoralism and local government;
- Noel Schoknecht – soil science and land management; and
- Dr Renee Young – ecology.
Minister Alannah MacTiernan thanked the outgoing members for their contribution to advancing soil conservation and ecological sustainability, especially the implementation of the WA Soil Health Strategy 2021-31.
The new council will continue work that supports science and innovation that improves land use management and the long-term condition of the State’s agricultural and pastoral regions, alongside sustainable and profitable production.
A priority will be to provide oversight of the implementation of the Dryland Salinity – Future Directions Government Response, as well as monitoring and assessment methods being developed for the Framework for Sustainable Pastoral Management.
The resurrection of the council forms part of the WA Government’s commitment to building sustainable, climate resilient soil and land resources, backed by the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Soil and land conservation is essential to prosperity and 21st century farming, with healthy soils and diverse ecosystems that enhance agricultural production and the environment.
“The Soil and Land Conservation Council plays an important role in influencing policy and advocating for science and innovation that landholders can use to improve soil health and climate resilience.
“The McGowan Government is leading the way in meeting community expectations and adapting to market demand seeking provenance tracing and sustainable production for sustainably produced agrifood and fibre.”
