THE Ba Provincial Council is supporting the government's Land Bank proposal.
Chairman Ratu Meli Saukuru said the initiative would assist landowners with the development of their land.
He said the Committee for Better Utilisation of Land (CBUL) had been visiting various districts in the province to discuss the issue with various landowners.
"This is a very good move and the council supports the idea," he said.
"Most of the native lands in the province have been lying idle for more than 10 years and it will be better for these lands to be deposited under the government Land Bank for development purposes.
"This is the only way we can fully utilise our idle land since most landowners don't have the capital to start business ventures on their own.
"Another good reason for giving up the land is that once under government, infrastructure development will follow through like the construction of roads."
He said the council supported the idea but the onus was on the individual landowners.
Ratu Meli said the CBUL had been in discussion with the council and there have been some positive outcomes during their trip.
"They (CBUL) have secured few pieces of land in the province but discussions were ongoing with the landowners."
"The council is also yet to be updated on the outcome of their findings.