While industry, community and government have all expressed a broad commitment to greater sustainability of the Australian landscape, as yet there is little agreement on a reform agenda to achieve this goal.

One of the topics where debate is most fierce concerns property rights and responsibilities.

In an effort to encourage and inform debate about the rights and responsibilities of property owners in managing land and water, Land & Water Australia has released a new report Property: rights and responsibilities, current Australian thinking.

This collection of eight research papers represents the leading edge of Australian thinking on property rights. Topics range from a discussion of private property and common myths in the property rights debate, to analyses of legal and economic approaches, economic perspectives of water entitlements, and social justice considerations.

Land & Water Australia Chair Ms Bobbie Brazil said that improving understanding of property rights among communities, industries and policy makers is critical in moving forward on some of the most intractable environmental challenges in Australia.

'This is a complex issue, and rarely is this sort of information presented in a comprehensive and accessible way. We have a responsibility to find appropriate and workable solutions, to make sure that we get it right,' she said.

The Property report has been produced under Land & Water Australia's Social and Institutional Research Program. Click here for an electronic copy. Hard copies can be obtained from Canprint on 1800 776616 quoting product code PR020440.

ENDS

Media Enquiries: Tim Lester, 02 6263 6021, 0438 925 146.