tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57484996521467727832024-02-19T20:30:15.086+10:00The Landowner LawyerThe Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-87601517997134061702017-07-13T10:16:00.000+10:002017-07-13T10:16:01.991+10:00‘Nail Houses’ and property rights… Can you or should you refuse to sell?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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China's infrastructure is being built at a rapid rate. Large real estate developments are being constructed and enormous dam, road and rail projects are all necessary to meet the needs of their growing population/economy.<br />
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But what happens when a dam needs to be built right where a village of 170,000 people are living?<br />
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Due to China’s socialist era, there are some issues with the ownership of land. Requisitions or Resumptions of land laws can differ depending on whether it is urban or farming land.<br />
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In China land can be Requisitioned if it is in the “interest of the public”. But what does this mean? A dam might be for the public, but what about a large real estate development for a private developer that will provide lots of jobs. If the development or infrastructure is not for a public purpose, can a farmer or landowner stand their ground and refuse to move?<br />
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'Nail houses' is the term given to those landowners who refuse to move. The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2014/apr/15/china-nail-houses-in-pictures-property-development" target="_blank">consequences of this decision</a> can be quite striking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7bpRG9MXx-K3oZpNFoYwQgMBy-WSkh51OyEZ36uHiNghLRBu7bvvQwbfQIHP8p-EqQiKyfMsYSdFMyL3ozwUePloj82FwD9ryqRDhQ7mXrKHAJ5F_X2W2GRBqCdBadDhWjgGdh5mXtVH/s1600/5f3645e1-4d8a-4d0d-afe6-d72f8a8191b7-2060x1308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1010" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7bpRG9MXx-K3oZpNFoYwQgMBy-WSkh51OyEZ36uHiNghLRBu7bvvQwbfQIHP8p-EqQiKyfMsYSdFMyL3ozwUePloj82FwD9ryqRDhQ7mXrKHAJ5F_X2W2GRBqCdBadDhWjgGdh5mXtVH/s200/5f3645e1-4d8a-4d0d-afe6-d72f8a8191b7-2060x1308.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zheng Meiju outside her nail house in Rui’an, Zhejiang province, in July 2013. She has been living in the partially demolished home for nearly a year, even though the water and electricity supply were cut. Photograph: China Stringer Network/Reuters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFTB8x7RqpjptlP73zBuX_Pf1g5P7v1YL7qwKI6hVe7cCe8a5f5tm_xSRuuICuaX3ALoxvS6ajGVRdopspLeH-0XiH0dr_DafLMwnp_iTDwK9bRZ5elRK__3KAtNuTleyuOIU2ZZsybfI/s1600/34241b06-bbbd-428c-9acd-dec4f7a11e39-2060x1545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1010" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFTB8x7RqpjptlP73zBuX_Pf1g5P7v1YL7qwKI6hVe7cCe8a5f5tm_xSRuuICuaX3ALoxvS6ajGVRdopspLeH-0XiH0dr_DafLMwnp_iTDwK9bRZ5elRK__3KAtNuTleyuOIU2ZZsybfI/s200/34241b06-bbbd-428c-9acd-dec4f7a11e39-2060x1545.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nail houses isolated by man-made ditches on a construction site in Yangji village in Guangzhou last year. The ditches were dug by relocated residents, forcing those remaining to move out. Photograph: Liu jiao/Imaginechina/AFP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VgrAKqJu5k3xhh_Z2FYkfNa04S3ADHqonqgl110bHEvhY7oZp9Ya4lIa45sf2-Hkxk-iORDelEzu92EQlQnjfYjNK331aXHUwR-cAFeS456x3xZJXW8hUFLBaoCWu9XceQHw03XOHCo_/s1600/1889051b-01c3-46f7-a5a2-ca64e9344638-2060x1399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1010" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VgrAKqJu5k3xhh_Z2FYkfNa04S3ADHqonqgl110bHEvhY7oZp9Ya4lIa45sf2-Hkxk-iORDelEzu92EQlQnjfYjNK331aXHUwR-cAFeS456x3xZJXW8hUFLBaoCWu9XceQHw03XOHCo_/s320/1889051b-01c3-46f7-a5a2-ca64e9344638-2060x1399.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nail house sits in the middle of a road under construction in Nanning in April 2015. The owner of the house didn’t reach an agreement with the local authority about compensation for the demolition. Photograph: China Stringer Network/Reuters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrECKbr0tBv4ZsQngGiONkAq1u5Qow4F_MwdByaMggwC0vJcQU_OBMcQzMYA9YzRs_U4-H3nXCr0jJOiFmGObhyphenhyphenG9tbG_gpnM1zbjailJ1uKJkXTYN5sLwmnTstc6ol-gEGhFCxwmxW3F/s1600/ec7e603e-a39e-4183-bae4-bb095b1ecfc2-2060x1364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrECKbr0tBv4ZsQngGiONkAq1u5Qow4F_MwdByaMggwC0vJcQU_OBMcQzMYA9YzRs_U4-H3nXCr0jJOiFmGObhyphenhyphenG9tbG_gpnM1zbjailJ1uKJkXTYN5sLwmnTstc6ol-gEGhFCxwmxW3F/s320/ec7e603e-a39e-4183-bae4-bb095b1ecfc2-2060x1364.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps the most famous nail house is this one left stranded in the middle of a road in Wenling, in Zhejiang province. An elderly couple refused to sign an agreement to allow their house to be demolished. Photograph: China Daily/Reuters</td></tr>
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<h3>
Local effects</h3>
We can give an example of this situation in Central Queensland. The ADF announced that they wished to acquire multiple grazing properties in Marlborough and near Charters Towers late last year.<br />
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The purpose for the resumption is to accommodate increased training activities with the Singaporean armed forces. After much media attention and a commendable amount of media pressure the ADF announced that they would no longer acquire properties by “force”. They will acquire properties on a voluntary basis only from willing landowners.<br />
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But what happens to those that stand their ground and refuse to sell their land? What if those who stand their ground are surrounded by land that is acquired? What is the value to their land, their access routes and their use?<br />
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How will the ADF handle these?The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-21224196858655215332017-07-06T10:10:00.000+10:002017-07-06T10:10:17.896+10:00Solar - so hot right now! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Queensland Government released a 4 page, Powering North Queensland Plan recently.<br />
Further in the State Budget it is proposed that some $386million would be invested in the plan.<br />
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Interest in renewable energy projects has increased at a frantic rate since January 2016<br />
Landowners are being approached by solar and/or wind project developers and in some cases, multiple developers are contacting landowners wanting to secure site access.<br />
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There are many incentives being offered to Solar Farm or Wind Farm developers right now. It may be the case that you are interested in a project being operated on your land, or if you have been approached by one or more project developers, you should inform yourself about the space in which you are entering.<br />
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Information<br />
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As a starting point we recommend you visit the following sites (for a bit of light reading!)<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://arena.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian Government Australian Renewable Energy Agency</a> (ARENA)</li>
<li><a href="https://nationalmap.gov.au/renewables/about.html" target="_blank">Australian Government Australian Renewable Energy Agency AREMI mapping system</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/energy/renewable" target="_blank">Queensland Government Solar 60 and Solar 150 Programs</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator</a></li>
</ul>
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Some landowners just happen to be located in a perfect area for these projects. As a start, these companies require access to the grid, meaning a large capacity power line or substation with capacity should be located nearby. A landowner who has a block located out of flood areas, with favourable vegetation mapping and a freehold with good road access could be the owner of a viable site.<br />
<br />
This may command a good rental return from a Solar Farm. A Wind Farm site usually again can be built on land with favourable vegetation mapping and on a range where the wind speed is appropriate.<br />
It is important to choose your developer wisely if you are approached by more than one developer.<br />
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The Landowner Lawyer is happy to speak to you regarding the Solar Farm or Wind Farm state of play at any time.The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-59051706566829005862017-04-18T13:24:00.000+10:002017-04-18T14:25:05.677+10:00Landowners receive new Statutory Land Valuations for rural land and non-rural land in Queensland <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
New Land Valuations </h3>
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Did you know that on 8 March 2017 new statutory land valuations were issued across 28 local government areas in Queensland? Various local government areas that received new statutory land valuations include, but are not limited to, the following local government areas:- Rockhampton, Livingstone, Central Highlands, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Gladstone and Mackay.<br />
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</h3>
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<h3>
About Land Valuations </h3>
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Land valuations are issued annually for all rateable properties by the Queensland Valuer-General under the <i>Land Valuation Act 2010.</i><br />
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Land valuations are used to assess council rates, land tax and state land rental (for state leasehold land) and the new statutory land valuations will be effective from 30 June 2017.<br />
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Depending on the type of land owned, landowners may receive a statutory land valuation notice for, but not limited to, rural land and/or non-rural land (including land zoned rural-residential).<br />
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Rural land valuation notices may show an increased or decreased value for the "unimproved value" whereas non-rural land valuation notices may show an increased or decreased value for the "site value".<br />
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</h3>
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</h3>
<h3>
Objection Period </h3>
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Landowners who do not agree with the "unimproved value" or "site value" of their property may lodge an objection with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines within 60 days from the date that the new statutory land valuation was issued. The 2017 objection period close on 8 May 2017.<br />
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</h3>
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</h3>
<h3>
Objection Requirements </h3>
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For an objection to be considered, the Landowner must have acceptable grounds and the Landowner provide as follows:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>sufficient information demonstrating that the new statutory land valuation is incorrect; </li>
<li>all information required by the <i>Land Valuation Act 2010</i>; and </li>
<li>the objection must be lodged with 60 days from the date that the new statutory land valuation was issued. </li>
</ul>
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
What if my land is rural land but the new statutory land valuation shows my land as non-rural land? </h3>
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If the new statutory valuation shows your land as non-rural land and you believe that your land is rural land and should be valued using the "unimproved value" methodology then you may be eligible to submit a rural land application to have your land declared as rural land (provided that your land meets the relevant criteria).<br />
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Contact our Environment, Energy and Agribusiness Solicitor, Emma Kime on (07) 4927 6333 or at emmak@reesjones.com.auThe Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton City QLD 4700, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.408227200000002 150.46967549999994 -23.3499272 150.55035649999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-22468754240323119452017-03-20T17:12:00.000+10:002017-03-20T17:21:41.562+10:00When Dams are supposed to fail!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>When Dams are supposed to fail!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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You may have seen this story in the news recently. Over 200,000 people were evacuated when one of America’s largest dam showed signs of failing.</div>
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<a href="http://www.skynews.com.au/news/world/nthamerica/2017/02/13/evacuations-in-california-due-to-dam-damage.html">http://www.skynews.com.au/news/world/nthamerica/2017/02/13/evacuations-in-california-due-to-dam-damage.html</a></div>
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What you may not know is the auxiliary spill ways or saddle dams are actually designed to fail so that the main dam wall is not damaged. Think of these saddle dams or auxiliary spill ways as being sacrificial walls which are designed to fail to save the main piece of infrastructure, ie the main wall. </div>
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Auxiliary dams, or saddle dams are more common than you might think. Rookwood Weir for example, when it is built will have saddle dams on the left bank. Landowners on the left bank of the Weir or who are located below the likely spill area should definitely inform themselves of how the infrastructure around them works and get the right advice. No one wants an evacuation notice in the middle of the night!</div>
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Awoonga Dam near Gladstone a few years ago had issues with their saddle dams, <a href="https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/lake-awoonga-saddle-dam-close-reaching-breaking-po/1732906/">https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/lake-awoonga-saddle-dam-close-reaching-breaking-po/1732906/</a></div>
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and Opuha Dam in New Zealand also had issues after a heavy downpour in 1997. Luckily no people have been hurt during these two terrible events, but one wonders..... </div>
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If a Saddle Dam is to be constructed on your property or if you are located downstream or near a saddle dam then the laws regarding compensation for these are quite complicated. If the Saddle Dam is on your property then you will be entitled to compensation as a part of the resumption process. If you are located downstream or in front of the Saddle Dam, and likely to be impacted by a failure, the law is far less clear.</div>
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The Landowner Lawyer has experience dealing with resumption matters including a variety of disputes and claims over Dams and Weirs. She has a special interest in water.</div>
The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton City QLD 4700, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.408227200000002 150.46967549999994 -23.3499272 150.55035649999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-18477923156476069362017-03-08T10:05:00.000+10:002017-07-03T10:07:07.483+10:00Defence Force Update - Where is the Master Plan?<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaDmZrg88ywVNfDT0nOgtHzVsXFc7hnHBgW6tCNjGM97c8D9pxMW5deQhgLiIWnCGeTvTbRPzMHYTtfaKT_WZyDqLX5DPqsU9NSc_lQOMkKG2LobwVkJ6VfHeYMOAhI76x5tccIXP-62n/s1600/blog-feature-image-ready.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaDmZrg88ywVNfDT0nOgtHzVsXFc7hnHBgW6tCNjGM97c8D9pxMW5deQhgLiIWnCGeTvTbRPzMHYTtfaKT_WZyDqLX5DPqsU9NSc_lQOMkKG2LobwVkJ6VfHeYMOAhI76x5tccIXP-62n/s400/blog-feature-image-ready.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADF Troops - Photo by ABC</td></tr>
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The expansion of the ADF Shoalwater Bay Training Facilities and the Townsville/Charters Towers Facilities are a political football at the moment. For families caught in the crossfire, there were ADF visits in Charters Towers, Marlborough, Rockhampton and Stanage Bay this week. The hastily organised meetings were not advertised widely until only days before the ADF attended these meetings.</div>
<h3>
Where is the Master Plan?</h3>
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The eagerly awaited Master Plan was not released to those directly affected. The timelines for the Business Case have not changed and neither has frankly anything changed from the meetings held late last year.</div>
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It seems the Master Plan is a difficult beast for the ADF to deal with as the recent announcement of “no forced sales”, the ADF has had to change their plans for the area. The ADF now needs to do some re-design and rethink their project as the willing sellers make themselves known.</div>
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The Master Plan is not likely to be released publically at all now to the disappointment of those affected by the announcements. There are only a few days left for people to make submissions to the socio-economic impact report. However, one wonders how a proper submission can be made to the report now, without the details of the Master Plan being released.</div>
<h3>
"Willing Sellers"</h3>
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“Willing Sellers” are able to sell their land through two means with the ADF.</div>
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Advice needs to be sought regarding which option is best for those Sellers. The first way to sell to the ADF is “on the market”. This means that you approach the ADF and advise that you are interested in entering into negotiations to sell your land. If the negotiations fail, then obviously the Sellers don’t sell. If an Agreement can be reached by the parties then a contract is signed. These negotiated agreements can include anything (eg, leaseback arrangements, disturbance costs, professional costs and most importantly the timing for payments).</div>
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Once the Business Case is completed in June/July (more like August) then the ADF will announce their Land Acquisition Strategy. There will then be a gazetting process and some declarations. After these gazettes are issued, the second means of “selling” activates. That is that Sellers can still sell their land by agreement with the ADF, but the process will be in the hands of the Department of Finance and some timeframes and other options will change.</div>
<h3>
Your Land is Safe For Now</h3>
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After the visits this week, we can say that the announcement of “no forced sales” has not changed. There will be still no “compulsory acquisitions” once those gazettes start. However; with neighbouring properties being sold, and the ADF plans still being formalised, the decision on whether or not to sell is something that people should consider carefully. Landowners may be concerned about such matters as neighbouring ADF boundaries, feeling “squeezed”, possible changes to road arrangements. Once the decision to sell has been made, the two means to sell the Land above also need careful thought.</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Melanie Findlay is a rural agribusiness specialist who has negotiated many compensation/resumption matters with government departments, mining and gas companies.</div>
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Contact rural agribusiness specialist, Melanie Findlay on (07) 4927 6333 or at enquire@reesjones.com.au</div>
The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton City QLD 4700, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.408227200000002 150.46967549999994 -23.3499272 150.55035649999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-34059442121235795312017-02-23T11:20:00.000+10:002017-02-23T11:24:53.547+10:00Have Your Say About the Marlborough Australian Defence Force Expansion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ynQ0sDr4EfSQmC1R7tKDQpBmejCptpqRzqr_EwaLo4PKxts4vRXwH6HtVM7UqXVFWQHdg8O7Mmc4Tjt_HdIcdkAesfikDGD9ZGMPOdJSFk7IQ93uMSsalCbSGfts7NIiS7jzvFO1sJBA/s1600/town+hall+marlborough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ynQ0sDr4EfSQmC1R7tKDQpBmejCptpqRzqr_EwaLo4PKxts4vRXwH6HtVM7UqXVFWQHdg8O7Mmc4Tjt_HdIcdkAesfikDGD9ZGMPOdJSFk7IQ93uMSsalCbSGfts7NIiS7jzvFO1sJBA/s400/town+hall+marlborough.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowd at Marlborough Town Hall - Photo by ABC</td></tr>
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The proposed expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area
has caused plenty of talk in the community recently. </div>
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<b>What Stage Is The Project At?</b> </div>
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The proposal is currently in the
"master plan" stage. As part of the "business plan"
process and to help understand the effects of the expansion on the community
and Queensland economy, the Defence force are undertaking a Socio-Economic
Impact Assessment of the proposed expansion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Defence Force has already been
in contact with directly affected property owners; however this Impact
Assessment provides an opportunity for any member of the community to provide
feedback on the proposal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who Is Conducting The Impact Assessment?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Assessment is being conducted
by independent advisory firm KPMG. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What Will The Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Look At?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
assessment will consider all current and future socio-economic impacts of the
Singapore Military Training Initiative. This process will include analysing
things like the economic flow on effect of the extended military training
program and the upgrading/expansion of the training area</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">For example
the assessment may look at the increase in demand on public facilities (eg say
pressure on the Base Hospital) or the increase in say tourism activities and
construction work</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">for
businesses in town. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Alternately
it will also look at the effects of the loss of large cattle numbers from the
area and the flow on effects for Rockhampton businesses who are involved in the
agricultural supply chain.<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b>How Can I Share My Views On The Expansion Proposal?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If you would like to share your thoughts on the proposed
expansion, whether good, bad or ugly, you can obtain a copy of the Submission
Form from the Defence force website and either email, post or fax it to KPMG. Further details on how to participate can be
found here. <o:p></o:p><br />
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http://www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/SingaporeTraining/Assessment.asp<o:p></o:p></div>
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As part of the consultation process, KPMG will also meet
face-to-face with stakeholder representatives; however the dates for these
consultations are still to be advised.</div>
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Amy Gudmann is a Solicitor in the Environment, Energy and
Agribusiness Team at Rees R & Sydney Jones.</div>
The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton City QLD 4700, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.408227200000002 150.46967549999994 -23.3499272 150.55035649999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-24257056107391581262017-01-30T14:59:00.002+10:002017-01-30T14:59:51.669+10:00Environmental Harm, Fines & Notices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGcC5BepvkZ-UmreOikOVOIXRQcxn3ZxvVWykRi4JnnQItaLOtzZ8CUHXPxYUqYYWCG2Oh7LtQVvTQlKrcJqgZgjW3PJ7wji90Rq0CILsXu6EN4vc3o_WGX7J-zpkx9TFQeCs18O4RtbI/s1600/%2528Landowner-Lawyer%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGcC5BepvkZ-UmreOikOVOIXRQcxn3ZxvVWykRi4JnnQItaLOtzZ8CUHXPxYUqYYWCG2Oh7LtQVvTQlKrcJqgZgjW3PJ7wji90Rq0CILsXu6EN4vc3o_WGX7J-zpkx9TFQeCs18O4RtbI/s400/%2528Landowner-Lawyer%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
A $60,000 FINE!? Know your legal obligations when it comes to notifying contaminated land!</h3>
Are you aware that your property or the property that you are working on could be contaminated? If you are aware, and you fail to notify the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP), serious fines could apply.<br /> <br /><h3>
What is a “notifiable Activity”?</h3>
This is an activity that is likely to cause contamination. In town, these activities might include some types of manufacturing or disposal operations, printing, petroleum or chemical storage. On a rural property, you might have a livestock dip or spray race.<br /> <br /><h3>
Who is required to notify EHP?</h3>
Just about everyone! Employees/employers, company directors, contractors and agents, engineers, project managers, auditors, local government, owners and occupiers of Land.<br /> <br /><h3>
When must notification occur?</h3>
If contamination or environmental harm is likely to occur or has occurred, notification to EHP has to be given within 24 hours of an event occurring. You must also give notification to an owner or occupier of land (so say a tenant) if it is likely that their land could be affected.<br /> <br /><h3>
What happens if you do not notify?</h3>
Fines of up to almost $60,000 can apply in certain circumstances so the fines are significant. Tenants and Occupiers of Land should be aware that they must notify the owners of the Land or Fines also apply if the owner is not notified.<br /> <br /><h3>
How do I notify?</h3>
There are particular forms and guidelines you can use online through EHP, or you can contact them directly.<br /> <br /><h3>
What about if I am purchasing a property?</h3>
This positive duty to notify should result in an increase in properties being noted on the Contaminated Land Register. Appropriate searches and advice should be obtained when you purchase a new property or if you take on a long term lease of a premises.<br /><br />Contact Energy, Environment & Agribusiness Partner, Melanie Findlay on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a>.<br />
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The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-79512253227410819292016-11-10T11:36:00.000+10:002016-11-10T11:36:48.979+10:00Beef Capital receives Federal Funding<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5KTpM88QfVXzsqz8QJI7b4q_FRaz4ltedfNKhkd1lPZoeCo4nnlKHCSYUBRRPyc9bS5tMn7kP6V7bMvKSao_Gy9sW5SkI9OBBNofEOkBOObWAQDwFkkLBrQ1ZceUicRiWuw1tEgdNupx/s1600/%252420-million+boost+for+Rocky%2527s+road+upgrades_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5KTpM88QfVXzsqz8QJI7b4q_FRaz4ltedfNKhkd1lPZoeCo4nnlKHCSYUBRRPyc9bS5tMn7kP6V7bMvKSao_Gy9sW5SkI9OBBNofEOkBOObWAQDwFkkLBrQ1ZceUicRiWuw1tEgdNupx/s400/%252420-million+boost+for+Rocky%2527s+road+upgrades_photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The expected route of the Rockhampton Road Train Access upgrade. <br />Photo: Contributed Trinnette Stevens<br />The Morning Bulletin, $20-million boost for Rocky's road upgrades by Kerri-Anne Mesner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
$20 Million Federal Government Funding for the Rockhampton Road Train Access</h3>
On 24 October 2016, the Federal Government announced $20M to support Stage 2 of the Rockhampton Road Train Access.<br />
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The announcement by the Federal Government is welcome news as completion of Stage 2 of the Rockhampton Road Train Access will increase freight efficiency and improve road safety and access to Rockhampton. <br />
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Under Stage 2 of the Rockhampton Road Train Access, the roads from Gracemere to the Teys Bros Abattoir in Lakes Creek are set to be upgraded – and there is even talk of the highway between Gracemere and Rockhampton being upgraded to four lanes.<br />
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Earlier this year, Stage 1 of the Rockhampton Road Train Access received $10M in state funding under the Queensland Government's State Infrastructure Plan. <br />
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In an article published by The Morning Bulletin on 24 October 2016 ("<a href="http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/20-million-boost-for-rockys-road-train-route/3103566/" target="_blank">$20-million boost for Rocky's road upgrades</a>" by <a href="http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/profile/kmesner/" target="_blank">Kerri-Anne Mesner</a>), Bill Byrne, Member for Rockhampton, stated "that he had a briefly [briefing] with the Department of Main Roads the other day which indicated the design and consultation phase of Stage 1 was near an end".<br />
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The plan for the Rockhampton Road Train Access is now becoming a reality and the Beef Capital will soon have the roads and infrastructure to support our local graziers and the beef industries.<br />
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Stage 1 is progressing nicely, Stage 2 now has funding – how long will it be until Stage 3 of the Rockhampton Road Train Access is being discussed and funded?<br />
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Contact Energy, Environment & Agribusiness Solicitor Emma Kime on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a>.<br />
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The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-17650692247214647432016-10-28T14:11:00.001+10:002016-10-28T14:11:53.603+10:00Rookwood Weir Update via Queensland Country Life<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q9Mh3qKh2NOY2PX_fGhvmZ9yQb8l72kd9rTqw7ibFWKHORjf7c7goFEtF5pwnDeylisGColuYP9E-Hztel2bPefS7C8Uyc59s87-ixxefJtSH5Mp716W-rdIvpkhzD0GSFkUaMIEqUxf/s1600/Rookwood+Weir+Update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q9Mh3qKh2NOY2PX_fGhvmZ9yQb8l72kd9rTqw7ibFWKHORjf7c7goFEtF5pwnDeylisGColuYP9E-Hztel2bPefS7C8Uyc59s87-ixxefJtSH5Mp716W-rdIvpkhzD0GSFkUaMIEqUxf/s400/Rookwood+Weir+Update.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Queensland Country Life yesterday, published some good news for the Rookwood Weir Project.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/4255420/rookwood-weir-announcement-from-pm/?cs=4733" target="_blank">Turnbull in town in Rockhampton for weir funding</a> by Kelly Butterworth, 27 October 2016, 11:51am<br />
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<br />The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-37240366478664685622016-10-28T09:37:00.000+10:002016-10-28T09:37:02.021+10:00Research Forum: Agriculture, Communities and Coal Seam Gas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PrzQZPKWtTQ3oWDQcAMw3Ip7aC1YDmm8o7biubGuIUt-e0lkx8Ktin1gPZ5I8AWq6XCxmvwZ-Ikl8oPxDlAdgQDf1wLxwrX4fdlfMmemq_AenxzThPNkU3njGYhbYJpa3iyKrCd_2KWr/s1600/Research+Forum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PrzQZPKWtTQ3oWDQcAMw3Ip7aC1YDmm8o7biubGuIUt-e0lkx8Ktin1gPZ5I8AWq6XCxmvwZ-Ikl8oPxDlAdgQDf1wLxwrX4fdlfMmemq_AenxzThPNkU3njGYhbYJpa3iyKrCd_2KWr/s400/Research+Forum.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Landowner Lawyer would like to share the following event.<br />
<br />
The University of Queensland and AgForce Projects - CSG and Mining Project are co-hosting a forum to present Coal Seam Gas research to the communities of the Western Downs and Maranoa Regional Shire Councils.<br />
<br />
The forum will include brief presentations on the results of recent research from the following research projects.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Agriculture and CSG Interactions</li>
<li>The Groundwater Atlas</li>
<li>Bore Monitoring</li>
<li>Small-Medium Businesses</li>
<li>Socio-economic Indicators</li>
<li>Groundwater Predictions</li>
<li>Community Sentiment</li>
</ul>
Attendees will be able to meet with researches, discuss the research findings and contribute your views to options for further research.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Forum is FREE with Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea provided.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You must RSVP by 11 November 2016.</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>When and Where:</b><br />
Thursday 17 November 2016, 9.00am - 3.00pm (arrivals from 8.30am for 9.00 am start)<br />
CHINCHILLA - Venue details will be confirmed via email/text the week prior to the event.<br />
<br />
<b>Register Today </b><br />
Visit www.agforceprojects.org.au or call (07) 3238 6048<br />
<br />
For more information call (07) 3238 6048 or email csg@agforceprojects.org.au<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Chinchilla QLD 4413, Australia-26.7553996 150.62849219999998-26.8688341 150.46713069999998 -26.6419651 150.78985369999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-84411598153175975302016-10-27T10:56:00.002+10:002016-10-27T10:56:46.800+10:00CSG Wells and Your Mortgage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHArteW-fdTHdjtpjxxrz81qxPGQ2V7mZSRG7-h1Q-Yy3qQndHvJPJCGwphjJEdttM-cCP0dJAgZOWk9V5eiXY77hutDsMhYgrKmo0qFsmSFUh6oZKZPO1z1cazG4Y-jixUxJgOmd7HPE/s1600/CSG+Wells+and+your+mortgage_feature+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHArteW-fdTHdjtpjxxrz81qxPGQ2V7mZSRG7-h1Q-Yy3qQndHvJPJCGwphjJEdttM-cCP0dJAgZOWk9V5eiXY77hutDsMhYgrKmo0qFsmSFUh6oZKZPO1z1cazG4Y-jixUxJgOmd7HPE/s400/CSG+Wells+and+your+mortgage_feature+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
CSG Wells</h3>
There has been a bit of media attention lately regarding a bank turning down a loan application on grounds relating to some Coal Seam Gas operations on a property. An example of such a story can be found here.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/30/commonwealth-bank-coal-seam-gas-makes-property-unacceptable-as-loan-security">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/30/commonwealth-bank-coal-seam-gas-makes-property-unacceptable-as-loan-security</a><br />
<br />
<h3>
Conduct and Compensation Agreement</h3>
It is usually a term of your bank mortgage that you must seek the consent of your bank prior to entering into any agreement for compensation relating to mining and/or gas activities on your property. It is therefore very important to provide a copy of any Compensation Agreement or CCA to your banker prior to signing any such document.<br />
<br />
This will save you dealing with an angry mortgagee later and could have saved the landowners mentioned in the story attached from some problems.<br />
<br />
If your bank is worried about any changes in the value of your land, then you can use their valuations or letters as a bargaining tool in your negotiations with a gas or mining company.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, especially if the Activities to be performed on your land are quite substantial (e.g. a large gas pipeline), it is a good idea to chat with your banker about how your expected income stream on your property may be affected by gas or mining activities.<br />
<br />
Your banker may like to hear from you about when any expected compensation money might be due to be paid to you so they can work with you in meeting the terms of your mortgage.<br />
<h3>
<br />
What can I do?</h3>
Conduct and Compensation Agreements for Mining and Gas Agreements are very complicated, and for this reason you should always involve your accountant, your lawyer and your banker at least in any negotiations you start. It is for this reason we would never advise a landowner to “Opt Out” of a negotiation.<br />
<br />
The law also requires companies to reimburse landowner legal, accounting and valuation fees so it is always good to get advice on these types of negotiations.<br />
<br />
Contact Energy, Environment & Agribusiness Partner, Melanie Findlay on (07) 4927 6333 or at enquire@reesjones.com.au.<br />
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The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-12492504223390435892016-09-29T11:56:00.002+10:002016-09-29T11:56:59.776+10:00MERC Mediation Rights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBy1FeiUSfTZjX8moO3O9P5ep5Qs069r5o8n_3pT8_o4GKRgNN7LcviKkYOplLz96dL-FvcGknku3Sm8qxhGO7ir3-jy0JJb9j8L9nNLJkGSNrUw5J1lrjQ7ES3UqyFVC7PtqH4xM5G66/s1600/MERC_feature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MERC" border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBy1FeiUSfTZjX8moO3O9P5ep5Qs069r5o8n_3pT8_o4GKRgNN7LcviKkYOplLz96dL-FvcGknku3Sm8qxhGO7ir3-jy0JJb9j8L9nNLJkGSNrUw5J1lrjQ7ES3UqyFVC7PtqH4xM5G66/s400/MERC_feature.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Landowner Lawyer, Melanie Findlay talks with 990 4RO Breakfast Host, Aaron Stevens about the MERC mediation process and how landowners rights are affected. Read the transcript or listen to the audio <a href="http://www.reesjones.com.au/merc/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Melanie can be contacted on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a>.<br />
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<br />The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-52037013300561434832016-09-27T11:48:00.001+10:002016-09-27T11:48:34.539+10:00Buying a Rural Property with a CCA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjKTAZTIjqb1B8AXhXgcMzxcCmPJuLJ-CtGNjb_7Z7ghLGo8eYrlDdZaBHP1cuPHUXv3aIzWr1d7OPlBlug6unBC7_zuA-paZrsZLY3hPkSQjPuk_iMQGwCbQqclpfU1pdNFc6GvARZTH/s1600/buying+a+rural+property+with+a+CCA_feature+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CCA" border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjKTAZTIjqb1B8AXhXgcMzxcCmPJuLJ-CtGNjb_7Z7ghLGo8eYrlDdZaBHP1cuPHUXv3aIzWr1d7OPlBlug6unBC7_zuA-paZrsZLY3hPkSQjPuk_iMQGwCbQqclpfU1pdNFc6GvARZTH/s400/buying+a+rural+property+with+a+CCA_feature+%25283%2529.jpg" title="Buying a Rural Property with a CCA" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Energy, Environment & Agribusiness Solicitor, Emma Kime tells us how important it is to ask the right questions when <a href="http://www.reesjones.com.au/buying-rural-property-cca/" target="_blank">Buying a Rural Property with a CCA</a>.<br />
<br />
Emma can be contacted at Rees R & Sydney Jones Solicitors on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a>.<br />
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<br />The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-8774890164253619762016-09-21T14:19:00.001+10:002016-09-21T14:19:35.564+10:00Conduct and Compensation Agreements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcz0VoS2VFewPatq4CJn9yBXxeTLCUIO9RnjXy2svr27hygihLV7PqQBMpLdBOean_HLU4d67d1n7woOzVLmDQapMvSa3hojIPi4QGQijFGtMS0Zjeqp8b-ZW2mISZq_E_nY4CeeIx6Rr/s1600/Land+Access_feature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcz0VoS2VFewPatq4CJn9yBXxeTLCUIO9RnjXy2svr27hygihLV7PqQBMpLdBOean_HLU4d67d1n7woOzVLmDQapMvSa3hojIPi4QGQijFGtMS0Zjeqp8b-ZW2mISZq_E_nY4CeeIx6Rr/s400/Land+Access_feature.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Energy, Environment & Agribusiness Solicitor, Amy Gudmann talks about the standard<br />
<a href="http://www.reesjones.com.au/conduct-compensation/" target="_blank">Conduct and Compensation Agreement</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Amy can be contacted at Rees R & Sydney Jones Solicitors on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a>.<br />
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<br />The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-78662265109319848292016-09-21T11:46:00.000+10:002016-09-21T11:46:16.404+10:00Rural Weekly: Railway giant sells off rural land<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2rkU275F0SbGBAzBuagIYonEQHiPoc5GxzHh3NsGZbvVamDYIquk_P0QkwvlwVjQ974Uob1IL0f0tS46g3rMvblMkznrB3e2XVsELHdGrZodK6E4izEUHRb1soCvO6jCAX_5RSyaiBQK/s1600/railway+giant+sells+off+rural+land.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2rkU275F0SbGBAzBuagIYonEQHiPoc5GxzHh3NsGZbvVamDYIquk_P0QkwvlwVjQ974Uob1IL0f0tS46g3rMvblMkznrB3e2XVsELHdGrZodK6E4izEUHRb1soCvO6jCAX_5RSyaiBQK/s200/railway+giant+sells+off+rural+land.jpg" title="BIG SALE: Ray White Rural real estate agent Peter Douglas is leading the Aurizon property sale." width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIG SALE: Ray White Rural real estate agent Peter Douglas is leading the Aurizon property sale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Our Landowner Lawyer shares Rural Weekly's news article "<a href="http://m.ruralweekly.com.au/news/railway-giant-sells-off-rural-land/3091303/" target="_blank">Railway giant sells off rural land</a>" written by Andrea Davey, dated 19 September 2016.</div>
The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-4762226926073778292016-09-08T12:46:00.001+10:002016-09-08T12:46:51.586+10:00Just another day in the office....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHot0chjf8w-U-WDb4qf02tV2m3p0VMSjwy9UDNjpVK1J6IAlgTDcsHl5VBI-HchPMaHBIVPwIhRWOdl4XgA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Our Landowner Lawyer sure has a nice view from her office!The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Arcadia Valley QLD 4702, Australia-24.7091736 148.84354810000002-25.6300616 147.5526546 -23.7882856 150.13444160000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-56074293336616633662016-08-22T14:27:00.001+10:002016-08-22T14:27:24.431+10:00Tree clearing laws fail to pass Parliament<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU8nhD1VxQYlkmOjWWVV3AbvI3LZkyO-2pAMiwsytawuYq0vSQxF0F2suBCWR7PCyg4xEAuIa1RhTtjeb3dswdeFTYSx9ODk-Z2SydRWiUZHZUEXIKKC4VLrj5oNjcUQTdKjj_njcg2Q2/s1600/Tree+clearing+laws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU8nhD1VxQYlkmOjWWVV3AbvI3LZkyO-2pAMiwsytawuYq0vSQxF0F2suBCWR7PCyg4xEAuIa1RhTtjeb3dswdeFTYSx9ODk-Z2SydRWiUZHZUEXIKKC4VLrj5oNjcUQTdKjj_njcg2Q2/s320/Tree+clearing+laws.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
ABC News: <a href="http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-19/queensland-parliament-tree-clearing-laws-fail-unesco-fears/7765214" target="_blank">Queensland tree clearing laws fail to pass Parliament in blow to minority Labor Government</a> by Gail Burke.The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-52348566194214751422016-08-11T14:43:00.001+10:002016-08-11T14:43:54.541+10:00Nature Conservation Act with Melanie Findlay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntywyhkFEvquwyHnH6-lQgYsKrsRLB5uCnwA62bVBLxkLwGrMTZU8g2Kjacedgv-ocVEipdYLOFXqKdDaXp6UJOpYwPJDJfDPnAYI26ThrzHNXs7vqq_sFcbJD_kjOFNPgZJ17-eEQNI8/s1600/Blue+dot_feature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntywyhkFEvquwyHnH6-lQgYsKrsRLB5uCnwA62bVBLxkLwGrMTZU8g2Kjacedgv-ocVEipdYLOFXqKdDaXp6UJOpYwPJDJfDPnAYI26ThrzHNXs7vqq_sFcbJD_kjOFNPgZJ17-eEQNI8/s320/Blue+dot_feature.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Landowner Lawyer, Melanie Findlay recently spoke to Aaron Stevens from 990 4RO regarding the Nature Conservation Act (also known as "trigger maps" or "blue dots").<br />
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You can listen to the broadcast <a href="http://www.reesjones.com.au/nature-conservation-act/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Contact Melanie Findlay on (07) 4927 6333 or enquire@reesjones.com.au if you have any questions on vegetation management or land clearing.The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-77324972370871467062016-08-09T08:40:00.000+10:002016-08-09T08:40:17.210+10:00#supportourcq<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyfocjGItTwxnGZpbBNOa1zcU3jIN5wdsNmeHKx8hKAXWK3IckffCUbai28i9R7oiUO9uvp8CEgOd3nM-bIDkatbPFtkFAmMK7cdPQGbwQkp4FBln72kHb5NorCSAjSMhckaxPwmg2GN8/s1600/Dawson+Valley+FR+Pork+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyfocjGItTwxnGZpbBNOa1zcU3jIN5wdsNmeHKx8hKAXWK3IckffCUbai28i9R7oiUO9uvp8CEgOd3nM-bIDkatbPFtkFAmMK7cdPQGbwQkp4FBln72kHb5NorCSAjSMhckaxPwmg2GN8/s400/Dawson+Valley+FR+Pork+Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Dawson Valley Free Range Pork</h3>
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<br /></div>
Lucy and Kim House own a property at Baralaba in Central Queensland and pride themselves on producing pork that "tastes like pork should".<br />
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We were recently lucky enough to catch up with Lucy House and ask her a few questions about Dawson Valley Free Range Pork.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How how long have you been breeding pigs?</i> </span><br />
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We’ve been in pigs for about 5 years. We were cattle farmers before that. We’ve been at Anabank (Baralaba) for 25 years but as a cattle farm it is too small to be viable, so we decided to start a free range pig business for two reasons – to make a better income off a small place, and because we liked pigs!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Is accreditation required for free range farming?</span> </i><br />
<br />
We are accredited with Humane Choice and I think some form of accreditation is important because the customer needs assurance that they are in fact buying a free range product. I think that there is only one form of free range, but unfortunately that is not enough as not all free range farms are the same.<br />
<br />
Free range is where the animal is free to roam and to behave in a natural way. Of course free to roam is within reason, as for safety purposes, they do need to be contained behind some sort of fence. Pigs love to dig, lie around in wallows and eat grass, so it is important that they get every opportunity to do that. They should be in paddocks that have grass all the time, so some rotation and rest of paddocks is necessary.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Tell me about "Locavore", why is it important? </span></i><br />
<br />
To me the term locavore is a person that makes a conscious decision to eat local produce and to support local business. It does depend on the product, but I try to source the closest possible product to me. For example, local potatoes are only available for a very short period of time, so at other times I choose Queensland grown before any other part of Australia. I think it’s important to support local businesses (including food producers) as it encourages prosperity in the local area.<br />
<br />
We need to de-centralise our food systems. Some would say that this would improve our food security, but I think the greater value is in keeping small communities alive. Not everyone wants to or can live in the major cities, so it is necessary to have employment in smaller towns – vibrant communities are needed to provide employment and this can be done by keeping local businesses profitable.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Are you seeing an increased interest in free range products or more support for our farmers as the general public is becoming more aware of food origins? </span></i><br />
<br />
We have two types of customers – some are more concerned with the quality of food that comes from a free range animal and others are more concerned with the quality of life that the animal has before it becomes food. Both are very important to me.<br />
<br />
There is more interest in free range products because generally our health is not good. Health of humans has declined as the industrialised food systems (factory farming) have increased. There are those that aren’t prepared to continue down that path as factory farmed food does not have the best nutritional value . Food has become very cheap – mostly due to the industrialised food system, but it is also due to competition from cheap imports and from the competition between our two big supermarkets.<br />
<br />
Real food does cost more to produce than processed food and that should not be the case. Most of our customers support us because we are local farmers, so I do think that they care about food origins. Unfortunately our customers are only a small sample of society and there are a lot of people that don’t really care. They just want to keep getting cheap food – they don’t understand or want to consider the connection between food and health.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">There are recipes on the Dawson Valley Free Range Pork and the Healthy Farming, Healthy Food blogs but do you have a "go to" recipe you'd be prepared to share? </span></i><br />
<br />
I don’t really have a “go to” recipe. I really do think that all you need is good quality ingredients. If I’m time poor and that’s most often the case, I plan ahead and put something in the oven or slow cooker. One of my favourite things would be:<br />
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Chops (lamb, goat, pork), or chicken pieces - tossed in some aromatics like garlic, chili, herbs and lime juice, then placed on top of sliced potatoes and onions ( a mix of white and sweet potatoes). Depending on the fat content of the meat, I will dot some butter over the top. I then place this in the oven and go outside and do my afternoon jobs! The juices and fat from the meat filter down through the potatoes and adds flavour and keeps them moist. Cooking time would be 2 -3 hours on low or 1.5 hours at moderate.</blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What is your favourite part of the day? </span></i><br />
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I enjoy early mornings or late afternoons. Early mornings milking the cow are always relaxing and I often use this quiet time to plan my day. Late afternoons walking around the pig paddocks is lovely, because the pigs are all relaxed and will stop for a chat – the mornings are frantic because they only want food! I also enjoy bedtime!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What's next for Dawson Valley Free Range Pork? </span></i><br />
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We are hoping to increase our production, as we are struggling to meet the demand for our product. We will be engaging our first full time employee soon and we are hoping that this will enable us to expand and to undertake more activities. We want to increase the layers of enterprises – in the short term that will be goats and sheep.<br />
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Pigs are very good at improving fertility and our land is now organic certified, so we would like to make organic hay. I can see other enterprises like fruit and nut trees, vegetable crops, as well as meat chickens in the years to come.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Our Energy, Environment & Agribusiness Partner, Melanie Findlay says your pork is really yummy! How can people get your product? </span></i><br />
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Our pork is available in the Rockhampton and Yeppoon area by getting our pork, beef and goat direct from us at the Kern Arcade Carpark Markets and the Yeppoon Community Markets. We have been going there twice a month, however recently we have had to reduce this as we are low on product.<br />
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The best idea is for people to follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dawson-Valley-Free-Range-436064803090607/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or my <a href="http://dawsonvalleyfreerange.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Blog</a> to know when we are going to be at the markets. In Gladstone, Daly’s Quality Meats stock our pork. Our pork is available from Sunshine Coast Organic Meats and from Sherwood Road Organic Meats and Milton Fine Meats, both in Brisbane.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://dawsonvalleyfreerange.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Dawson Valley Free Range Blog</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dawson-Valley-Free-Range-436064803090607/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Dawson Valley Free Range Facebook</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://healthyfarminghealthyfood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Farming Healthy Food Blog</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lucys-Kitchen-612269295560025/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Lucy's Kitchen Facebook</span></a><br />
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The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Baralaba QLD 4702, Australia-24.181944 149.81305599999996-24.413516 149.49033249999997 -23.950372 150.13577949999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-47081960650637880042016-08-04T09:48:00.001+10:002016-08-04T09:48:41.346+10:00Draft MERCP Regulations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The draft Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) ("MERCP") Regulations are up for consultation. You can make a submission and review the new Regulations here<br />
<a href="https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/our-department/corporate-information/policies-initiatives/mining-resources/legislative-reforms/mqra/consultation-draft-regulation">https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/our-department/corporate-information/policies-initiatives/mining-resources/legislative-reforms/mqra/consultation-draft-regulation</a><br />
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We represent Landholders who are affected by mining and gas activities on their land. When negotiations fail, there is a process where a mining or gas company can effect to take a landholder to a mediation or a conference to negotiate the matter before a third party.<br />
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The problem currently is that landowners are entitled to have their reasonable and necessary legal fees reimbursed to them for the negotiation of a CCA or Conduct and Compensation Agreement.<br />
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Currently there is a gap in the law which says that a legal advisor for a landholder is only allowed to be present at a conference if the other party agrees AND the officer is happy that there is no undue disadvantage to the other party at the conference. This wording is not desirable because a mining company MUST therefore agree to allow a landholder lawyer to attend the conference.<br />
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Usually gas or mining companies are represented at these conferences by legally trained people and if you have ever attended these conferences, there is usually a cast of thousands attending on behalf of the resource company. The balance of power in a meeting, without a lawyer present on behalf of a landholder is undesirable. The change of just one word in the new Regulations could correct this.<br />
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A party must not be represented by a lawyer at the conference unless—<br />
(a) the other party agrees; <b><i>OR</i></b> (rather than <i>AND</i>)<br />
(b) the authorised officer is satisfied there is no undue disadvantage to the other party.<br />
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Submissions are due on the draft by 12 August 2016.<br />
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Contact our Energy, Environment & Agribusiness team on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a>.<br />
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The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-77722096721282812562016-08-03T15:01:00.001+10:002016-08-03T15:01:34.679+10:00Draft Land Access Code<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWP86Ijcivky8X5arGppTUlUibN3Wn-oBxlhy1xmQ9lMHq0X2AUq4aIxhvFKrBxovBEVNz0H9_G660z2SaWjiDtIi4NWWz2Lq5Al9ZPov5UVgZ3_jfeLMe15U49mkdjYDe2wGYvycItf1/s1600/New+Draft+Land+Access+Code+2016_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Draft Land Access Code 2016" border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWP86Ijcivky8X5arGppTUlUibN3Wn-oBxlhy1xmQ9lMHq0X2AUq4aIxhvFKrBxovBEVNz0H9_G660z2SaWjiDtIi4NWWz2Lq5Al9ZPov5UVgZ3_jfeLMe15U49mkdjYDe2wGYvycItf1/s320/New+Draft+Land+Access+Code+2016_cropped.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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The new draft Land Access Code 2016 is available for public consultation here<br />
<a href="https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/390485/land-access-code.pdf">https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/390485/land-access-code.pdf</a><br />
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The usual problems have not been removed from the Code. For example, the wash down provisions regarding weed management are still unfavourable for Landholders.<br />
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Part 15 covers the obligations on the parties to prevent spread of declared pests. The usual clause which requires a resource authority holder to “wash down” vehicles and machinery before entering private property remains. However, this is only a requirement <b><u>if the risk of spreading the pest is likely to be reduced</u></b> by the wash down.<br />
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The first problem is that the method of wash down is not specified and landholders have often advised our office of situations where the holders of a resource authority do not carry proper wash down certificates or certificates from third party wash down facilities.<br />
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The second problem is that it is usually the resource holder that decides that it is NOT likely that the pest will be spread.<br />
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Under the new <i>Biosecurity Act </i>2014, landholders now have a higher onus of care placed upon them to make sure that pests and weeds are kept in check on their properties. It would be therefore desirable for the Land Access Code to be tightened up to give landholders the rights to reject dirty or contaminated vehicles and to insist on third party wash down facilities.<br />
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If you wish to make a submission regarding the Code or the new Regulations, <b>submissions close on 12 August 2016</b>.<br />
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The link to the site containing the new drafts is here:-<br />
<a href="https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/our-department/corporate-information/policies-initiatives/mining-resources/legislative-reforms/mqra/consultation-draft-regulation">https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/our-department/corporate-information/policies-initiatives/mining-resources/legislative-reforms/mqra/consultation-draft-regulation</a><br />
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Contact our Energy, Environment & Agribusiness team on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a>.</div>
The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-2667769862904743802016-07-20T13:21:00.001+10:002016-07-20T13:21:19.311+10:00Cattle Farming and Facebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The way our rural sector does business is changing. More and more farmers are now marketing and selling their cattle online - our Landowner Lawyer, Melanie Findlay shares two recent articles that caught her attention.<br />
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Jason Murphy of <a href="http://news.com.au/">news.com.au</a> writes about how "buy swap sell" groups are providing dedicated market places with incredible potential in his article <a href="http://www.ntnews.com.au/business/is-facebook-about-to-take-over-another-huge-part-of-the-economy/news-story/a72e62569b60d8a9506fb45d77b84eab" target="_blank">Is Facebook about to take over another huge part of the economy?</a> as published on <a href="http://www.ntnews.com.au/" target="_blank">NT News</a>, 7 July 2016.<br />
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James Nason writes about how the livestock marketing is changing as a result of social media in his article, <a href="http://www.beefcentral.com/markets/facebook-another-way-livestock-marketing-is-changing/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Beef%20Central%20News%20Headlines%20July%2013%202016&utm_content=Beef%20Central%20News%20Headlines%20July%2013%202016+CID_0d1e7f2744cb04df57cafaae4b6a4cb4&utm_source=eGenerator&utm_term=Click%20here%20for%20full%20story" target="_blank">Facebook: Another way livestock marketing is changing</a> as published on <a href="http://www.beefcentral.com/" target="_blank">Beef Central</a>, 13 July 2016.<br />
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<br />The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-12200001454225782472016-07-20T11:24:00.001+10:002016-07-20T11:24:27.519+10:00Calliope Vegetation Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our friends at Capricornia Catchments Inc. are hosting a Vegetation Management Information Session in Calliope on Wednesday 27 July 2016.<br />
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Landowner Lawyer, Melanie Findlay will join ecosure's Senior Botanist, Geoffrey Sinclair to discuss the existing Vegetation Management Act, the proposed changes and how they may affect you.<br />
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This is what Capricornia Catchments Inc. has to say about the information session:<br />
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On 17 March 2016, the Government introduced the Vegetation Management (reinstatement) and other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016, which is currently being considered through the parliamentary committee process. One of the amendments proposed by the bill is the reintroduction of high value regrowth on freehold land (Cat. C) and regrowth vegetation on watercourse areas (Cat. R) for Great Barrier Reef Catchments.</blockquote>
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Geoffrey Sinclaire, Ecosure will bring his understanding of the existing Vegetation Management Act, and the proposed changes and how they can affect your business. <b>Bring your lot and plan details </b>he will be able to identify specific issues to your property.</blockquote>
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Melanie Findlay, Rees R and Sydney Jones, will clarify some of the legal implications of vegetation management that currently exist and may arise from the proposed changes.</blockquote>
The Central Bowls Club is located at 21 Drynan Drive, Calliope.<br />
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You can book for this event via the <a href="http://www.capcatchments.org.au/events/vegetation-management-info-session-2/" target="_blank">Capricornia Catchments Inc. Website</a> or by contacting Janeen Whiting at Capricornia Catchments Inc. on 07 4921 0573 or <a href="mailto:admin@capcatchments.org.au">admin@capcatchments.org.au</a>.<br />
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<br />The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Drynan Dr, Calliope QLD 4680, Australia-23.9968846 151.2084244-24.0041376 151.1983394 -23.989631600000003 151.21850940000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-78790269232824722042016-07-18T14:50:00.003+10:002016-07-18T14:50:45.070+10:00Water Queensland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Water Queensland invites you...</h3>
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You are invited to a presentation on the Callide Valley Flood Mitigation Study, Tuesday 19 July 2016 at Banana Civic Centre, Rainbow Street, Biloela from 6.30pm. Light refreshments will be available.</blockquote>
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<br />The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Biloela QLD 4715, Australia-24.3976694 150.51643239999999-24.4555159 150.4357514 -24.3398229 150.59711339999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5748499652146772783.post-33314648517448130572016-07-07T10:11:00.000+10:002016-07-07T10:11:09.294+10:00FMDs & Stamp Duty Exemptions Estate & Succession Planning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is pleasing to see that both the Federal and Queensland Governments have introduced measures to assist rural clients with tax and stamp duty, to be effective from 1 July 2016.<br />
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Strengthening of the Farm Management Deposits Scheme</h3>
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As you are no doubt aware, increasing the limits on FMDs by doubling them from $400,000 to $800,000 and the use of same as offsets against other farm business loans will be a valuable tax planning and estate planning tool for rural clients.<br />
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Strengthening the Stamp Duty Exemptions for inter-family business property transactions for Rural Families</h3>
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The Queensland government has amended the Duties Act to exempt certain inter-family transaction from Stamp Duty even when monetary consideration passes or when liabilities are assumed. Prior to 1 July, the exemption was only available for that part of the transaction that was a gift by the transferor to the transferee. So with the changes, provided all of the conditions of the legislation are satisfied, there will be stamp duty exemption on transfers of rural properties and rural businesses (stock and plant) even when the relative acquiring the property is paying for it or taking over the debt of the disposer (transferor). The exemption is not restricted to transactions between parents and children. The definition of ‘defined relative’ is very wide and will give stamp duty relief to a much wider group of family members e.g. transactions between siblings; uncle/aunt – nephew/nieces etc.<br />
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Advice will need to be obtained to assess stamp duty exemption for each proposed family transaction to make sure the exemption applies before embarking on a deal and signing documents.<br />
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Both of the above legislative changes are of significant benefit to rural clients with their tax and succession planning.<br />
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Please contact <a href="mailto:gerardh@reesjones.com.au" target="_blank">Gerard Houlihan</a> or <a href="mailto:laurenf@reesjones.com.au" target="_blank">Lauren Farrelly</a> of Rees R & Sydney Jones Solicitors on (07) 4927 6333 or at <a href="mailto:enquire@reesjones.com.au">enquire@reesjones.com.au</a> for any further information.<br />
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The Landowner Lawyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17142764507143282659noreply@blogger.com0Rockhampton QLD, Australia-23.3790772 150.51001599999995-23.6123467 150.18729249999996 -23.145807700000002 150.83273949999995