1 Dec 2012

Farming leader to advise NSW state govt

12:47 pm on 1 December 2012

Australian National Farmers Federation president Jock Laurie has been appointed to the position of land and water commissioner for New South Wales.

AAP reports he will help implement the state government's strategic regional land use policy. The brief includes offering guidance on applications for mineral and petroleum exploration licences, exploration activities, regulatory approval and compliance matters.

Mr Laurie and his family run sheep and cattle at a property near Walcha. He is the first appointee to the post.

The appointment is for up to three years, starting on 10 December.

In a statement on Saturday, NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said:

"In Jock Laurie, landholders have a land and water commissioner who truly is the friend of the farmer.

"A fourth generation grazier, Jock understands all too well the challenges faced by farmers as a result of mining and coal seam gas activity, particularly in the exploration stage.

"He also understands that balancing competing land use is an important part of driving job growth in regional NSW."