SOIL CONSERVATION ACT 1938 - SECT 4C Powers, authorities, duties and functions of Commissioner

SOIL CONSERVATION ACT 1938 - SECT 4C

4C Powers, authorities, duties and functions of Commissioner

With the aim of ensuring the conservation of the soil resources of the State, the mitigation of soil erosion and land degradation and the conservation of water resources, the Commissioner shall have and may exercise and perform the powers, authorities, duties and functions conferred or imposed on the Commissioner by or under this or any other Act and, in particular, the Commissioner shall have and may exercise and perform the following powers, authorities, duties and functions:

(a) the encouragement and guidance of experimental and research work for or in connection with any purpose contemplated by this Act, the publication of the results of experimental and research work and the establishment of research centres,

(b) the collection, collation, interpretation, publication and promulgation of data concerning the physical capability of lands,

(c) the evaluation of the present condition of the State's soil resources, and the future requirements for the mitigation of soil erosion and land degradation,

(d) the maintenance of a repository of relevant data on soils and on methods of protecting soils,

(e) the carrying out of surveys and investigations,

(f) the mapping of catchment areas, protected lands and areas of erosion hazard,

(g) the protection of any proclaimed works, notified catchment areas, rivers, lakes, dams, ports, harbours, bays, lagoons, creeks, swamps and marshes from the effects of soil erosion, land degradation, siltation and sedimentation,

(h) the administration of areas of erosion hazard,

(i) the preparation of schemes of operations,

(j) the carrying into effect and administration of projects,

(k) the preparation of designs for and the estimation of the costs of any works proposed to be carried out on any lands,

(k1) the supervision of the carrying out of any works,

(l) the stimulation of interest in soil conservation, land management and improved land use practices,

(m) the initiation, arrangement and conduct of field days and demonstrations,

(n) the formulation, co-ordination and implementation of plans for the assessment, conservation, protection and utilisation of the State's soil resources,

(o) the provision of advice and assistance in connection with any works to persons whose lands have been or are liable to be affected by soil erosion or land degradation,

(p) the instruction and supervision of landholders, contractors and constructing authorities in matters pertaining to soil conservation and reclamation,

(q) the training and education of persons engaged in soil conservation,

(r) having regard to the objects of this Act, the co-ordination, in relation to soil conservation and the mitigation of soil erosion and land degradation, of the policies and activities of government departments, statutory authorities, local authorities and other public bodies,

(s) the management, by arrangement with the Water Resources Commission or any other water supply authority, of acquired foreshore land within the catchment of any dam for public water supply under the control of the Commission or the other authority, and

(t) the making of inquiries and recommendations in respect of matters referred to the Commissioner by the Minister.