Electronic atlas will prove invaluable for regional investors

5/09/02 Future efforts to attract investment in the Southern Rangelands will benefit from an invaluable new information source.

5/09/02
Future efforts to attract investment in the Southern Rangelands will benefit from an invaluable new information source.
The electronic Outback Resource Atlas (ORA) will provide an easy and effective way for potential commercial investors to learn more about the area quickly.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance launched the new electronic atlas today at the 12th Australian Rangeland Biennial Conference being held in Kalgoorlie.
Mr Chance said the new atlas highlighted the possibilities and potential of the area, which was important information for farmers and agricultural regional investors.
The ORA will provide invaluable intelligence in a diverse range of areas including:

  • land systems and soil classifications;
  • vegetation;
  • historical climate information;
  • site specific infrastructure;
  • current land tenure and use;
  • native title claims; and
  • conservation value.
"The ORA will increase the knowledge base available to primary producers and potential investors for the planning and development of new investment or the expansion of existing industries in the region," the Minister said.
"It will also increase the co-ordination between the various Government departments with similar and/or aligned projects."
The ORA was developed by the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy sub-committee, whose membership includes the Department of Agriculture, the Gascoyne and Mid-West Development Commissions and the Department of Industry and Technology.
Initially the atlas will be available through Department of Agriculture offices by contacting the Centre for Management of Arid Environment at the Kalgoorlie District office.
Mr Chance said the atlas was the perfect tool for the 200 delegates from throughout Australia in Kalgoorlie today to examine future directions for the nation's vast rangeland region.
The rangelands, including the arid and semi-arid shrub-lands and the tropical savannah, cover 75 per cent or 593 million hectares of Australia.
Minister's office: 9213 6700