SYDNEY WEIGHBRIDGES PTY LTD	
14 Sammut Street – Smithfield NSW 2164
ABN 34 135 925 656         Ph: 02 9604 2677   Fax: 02 9604 2599 
Email: roger@weighbridges.com.au

9th November 2012

Land Register Consultations Working Group
Foreign Investment and Trade Policy Division
The Treasury
Langton Crescent
PARKES ACT 2600
 
Dear Sir/ Madam,

Re: DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL FOREIGN OWNERSHIP REGISTER FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND

We were pleased to read that a Land Register was being considered for Land Ownership for Agricultural Land in Australia.
 
We believe it should not only include agricultural land, but mining areas as well.
 
Once the register has been established, Government will be able to make informed decisions about the trends in property ownership in Australia.

We have always believed that land in Australia for agriculture or mining purposes should be on a long term lease, the term of which depending upon the nature of the capital investment involved for the overseas party.
 
That way we can have overseas Investment but without foreigners owning our land, especially for food production, which will
 
Become critical in coming years as Asia's population and middle class expand, and demand for food increases.

We would be pleased to see an agricultural land register established.
 
Yours faithfully,

Roger Armstrong

Sydney Weighbridges Pty Ltd
 
Roger Armstrong
 
Proprietor.