Experienced natural resource management executive Dr Melanie Strawbridge has been appointed as the new Soil and Land Conservation Commissioner in Western Australia.
According to the Soil and Land Conservation Act (1945), the Commissioner’s primary focus includes preventing land degradation, promoting soil conservation, and educating landholders as well as the general public on the best practice for land management.
As an important member of the Soil and Land Conservation Council, Dr Strawbridge will provide strategic, scientific and policy leadership on soil, water and land conservation, soil health and related farming systems.
The Commissioner is also responsible for advising the Minister for Agriculture and Food on the state’s land assets.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said: “I welcome the appointment of Dr Strawbridge, who brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the Commissioner’s role, as the premier advocate for soil health in WA.”
As former Agriculture Resource Management and Assessment Director with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Dr Strawbridge has provided specialist advice to the Government on natural resource management issues for over 20 years.
“Dr Strawbridge has strong connections with industry and the scientific community, and is keen to focus on better monitoring and intelligence to improve the physical and biological health of our soils and landscapes.
“I look forward to working with Dr Strawbridge and seeing how Government, industry and the community can work together to enhance the stewardship of our vast land resources,” said Dr Strawbridge.
Dr Strawbridge succeeds current DPIRD Deputy Director General of Primary Industries Development Cec McConnell.
