IT was a favourite tactic of both the Beattie and Bligh governments. Paint Queensland farmers as environmental vandals and then belt the stuffing out of them all the way to the ballot box.
Now it seems it is the Palaszczuk government’s turn with farmers blamed for whatever ails the Great Barrier Reef.
In a move that appears to largely ignore the decades of celebrated work of individual farmers and industry in protecting the reef, the Palaszczuk government has resorted a big stick approach to managing the Reef.
Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Dr Steven Miles says farmers must now adopt legislated minimum standards to cut water pollution causing damage to the Reef.
The new regulations will require farmers to undertake soil tests, avoid using more than the optimum amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser and soil conditioners, and follow label instructions when using pesticides, and keep records of fertiliser and pesticide use.
They also apply to cane farmers and graziers in the Mackay-Whitsunday catchment.
In an apparent contradiction, Dr Miles said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to working with industry to achieve greater participation in voluntary industry-led Best Management Practice programs. However, compliance officers would also be on the ground ensuring farmers meet their legislative obligations.
“Targeted enforcement action will only be taken where necessary,” Dr Miles said.
Property Rights Australia chairman Dale Stiller said the approach was a very worrying development.
“To be seen as saving the reef is a temptation the government can’t leave alone – it's where they can easily create for themselves a high moral ground and where anyone questioning their solutions can be easily marginalised,” Mr Stiller said.
CANEGROWERS chief executive officer Dan Galligan said regulations were rarely the best approach.
“No one understands better than those who live right alongside the reef that reef health is important, evident by the sheer number of growers implementing the industry driven best management practices program which focuses on the farming business,” he said.
“Already 45 per cent of the sugarcane area in Queensland is already registered in Smartcane BMP.”
Shadow Environment Minister Stephen Bennett said the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef were cyclones, crown of thorns star fish and coral bleaching.
“Instead the Palaszczuk government is pointing the finger at Queensland farmers,” Mr Bennett said.
“Instead of punishing farmers, the Palaszczuk Government should be working with them.”
