How do we value a healthy Outback?

Pastoralist Jason Hastie spoke to ABC Country Hour's Belinda Varischetti today about the need to place a value on Outback lands that are in good condition - thereby encouraging land managers to invest time, effort and resources into ensuring a healthy landscape.

Jason is optimistic that the WA Government's changes to rangelands laws will open up exciting environmental and economic opportunities in WA's Outback - which covers 90% of the state.

He met with the Lands Minister Terry Redman, who has responsibility for WA's Outback, to look beyond the new legislation and explore policies that would put a value on healthy Outback lands. Jason argues that this would help broaden the focus of pastoralists from livestock production to include a concern for land that's in good condition, and that can be sustained for generations to come.

Jason is from Pingandy Station south of Paraburdoo, and you can hear his interview on ABC Country Hour here - fast forward to 25:20 to catch the start of his story.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-27/wa-country-hour-27-may-2016/7452794