Vegetation management
Landholders wanting to have a say about the Palaszczuk Government’s proposed changes to vegetation management laws now have more time to do so after the deadline for submissions on the laws was extended by a week to this Friday April 29.
As this is such an important opportunity for primary producers to have an opportunity to provide a submission to this process, it’s definitely appropriate that the time has been extended and is a good decision by the committee.
These proposed laws could restrict supply and drive up food prices, stifle regional development and cost jobs, and reverse the onus of proof so farmers are guilty until they prove their innocence.
That’s why it is imperative for landholders to use this opportunity to tell their story and provide a submission to the committee if you haven’t already done so.
Funding for the Reef
Also this week, AgForce welcomed new Federal Government funding to assist the process to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
This money will assist farmers in reef regions to continue to improve their land management practices. AgForce is particularly pleased with the new Federal funding to improve grazing land management and soil retention in grain cropping areas across priority hotspots.
We look forward to helping graziers improve their businesses and profitability as well as water quality by expanding on actions identified through the Grains and Grazing Best Management Practices programs.
So far there are 1600 graziers managing 6.3 million hectares or 40 per cent of Reef grazing areas under Best Management Practice and numbers continue to grow.
Weapons Forum announced
And finally this week, we welcomed the establishment of a new Queensland Government Weapons Consultation Forum, but stressed it must be the start of regular discussion with industry stakeholders on firearms policy not just a one-off talkfest.
Rural landholders make up the largest number of legitimate firearm users for ‘business as usual’ purposes such as feral animal control and euthanizing livestock to meet animal welfare needs.
So it’s vital the rural sector is consulted on firearms policy. While we welcome this week’s announcement of a new Weapons Consultation Forum, it has been a long time coming and we would expect this forum to commence as soon as possible.
