Queensland's first Natural Resources Conference was held on Wednesday 17 May 2006 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

There were presentations and lively discussions on topics such as:

• the affects of pests and weeds on our agricultural industry
• the importance of our Indigenous partnerships
• keeping mining environmentally friendly
• attracting more workers to the mining industry.

The great Australian drought also featured strongly—how to make the most of the water we have, and how water shortages will affect our future, were hotly discussed topics.

The Honourable Henry Palaszczuk MP, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Water opened the conference stating his appreciation to delegates for their awareness of the challenges we must address for the sake of your lifestyle, landscape and future prosperity.

Caroline Bonner, a Traditional Owner of the land on which the BCEC now stands, presented the ‘welcome to country’ to attendees of the conference.

Bernard Salt, best known for his media commentary on the business implications of demographic and social change, was guest speaker at the conference lunch.

There will be more information on some of the presentations in the next edition of the Natural State magazine—register for your free copy.

Top of page