Native Vegetation Scientific Expert Panel

The Native Vegetation Scientific Expert Panel has been established to help understand the factors behind the land clearing identified in the 2018–19 Statewide Land and Trees Study (SLATS) report.

The Panel is chaired by the former Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Hugh Possingham. It comprises eight members, with distinguished scientific reputations and recognised expertise in vegetation management, biodiversity conservation, natural resource and offset economics, behavioural and social sciences, natural capital and climate change sciences, First Nations perspectives and government and policy.

Members

• Professor Hugh Possingham, The University of Queensland
• Dr Philippa England, Griffith University
• Dr Andrea Leverington, Independent
• Professor Andrew Macintosh, Australian National University
• Professor Martine Maron, The University of Queensland
• Mr Nigel Onley, Landholder
• Dr Stuart Whitten, CSIRO
• Dr Beth Woods, Independent.

In addition, two First Nations representatives attend all meetings:

• Ms Shilo Villaflor, Aboriginal Carbon Foundation
• Mr Jim Walker, The University of Queensland.

Note: The Chair and Panel members do not receive remuneration for their involvement.

This Panel has been tasked to identify incentives or other mechanisms that can be used to help avoid clearing and advise if additional measures are needed.

It will focus on the use of improved science and analytical tools developed by the Department of Environment and Science (department) to enable greater confidence in identifying land clearing and understanding the economic and social drivers and motivations for clearing.

The department has also established an Interagency Technical Advisory Group to provide information, monitoring data and analyses, and assist with understanding the policies and programs associated with the protection of native vegetation, biodiversity and conservation strategies, natural capital and emissions reduction, climate action and Great Barrier Reef protection plans.

The Panel will deliver its preliminary report to the Minister by the end of 2022. The final report will be delivered to the Minister as quickly as possible once her feedback is provided to the Expert Panel.

For more information on this review email info@chiefscientist.qld.gov.au