Producers fearful of veg management reforms

AgForce general president Grant Maudsley said landholders were extremely concerned that the potential incoming Labor Government would repeal changes made by the ousted LNP Government to the Vegetation Management Act.

"The reforms made to the Vegetation Management Act were common sense, practical changes that provided a fair balance between agriculture and the environment," Mr Maudsley said.

"The self assessable codes work extremely well and we want to ensure the incoming government understands the investment certainty that these sensible reforms provide.

"We certainly do not need a return to the laws that unfairly punished landholders and ultimately did little to protect the environment."

The Vegetation Management Act represented one of the lowest points in relations between the former Beattie and Bligh Governments and the rural industry. Landholders were painted as environmental vandals as the former administrations sought to attract green preferences in sequential elections.

Repealing the LNP reforms made to the Vegetation Management Act were signalled by Premier-elect Annastacia Palaszczuk during the election campaign.

Counting in the Queensland election resumes this morning. Labor is expected to win 44 seats and the LNP 42 seats with Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth from the Katter's Australian Party and Sunshine Coast independent Peter Wellington to decide which side will form government.

"AgForce is an apolitical organisation and we will work with the government of the day," Mr Maudsley said.

"Vegetation management is one of the biggest challenges facing rural industry and it is vital we meet with the new government as soon as possible to ensure these reforms remain intact.

"There are a lot of new members entering parliament and we want to meet with them as soon as possible."