On Saturday morning close to 200 concerned land holders marched on the office of North Queensland minister Coralee O’Rourke in Townsville rallying against the proposed changes to vegetation management laws by the Palaszczuk Government and promoting ‘fair laws for farmers’ and the unimpeded development of the north.
AgForce North (East) regional manager Paul Burke said the proposed changes will drive up food prices, shut down regional development and cost jobs.
“The laws are poorly though out and we want to see the entire legislation scrapped,” he said.
He said sustainable laws are currently in place that are giving farmers the confidence to move into the future and grow their agricultural operations.
“Farmers just want a fair go. They just want to be able to grow their businesses and produce more food.
“It’s great to see such a united front here today with operators from the beef, cane and horticultural sectors coming to show their support.”
AgForce North Queensland president Russell Lethbridge said another crucial reason for the rally was to draw mainstream attention to the dissatisfaction that those within the northern agricultural industry are feeling towards the proposed changes.
“Townsville is a major service centre for agricultural endeavors in the north,” he said.
“The proposed changes will only further damage job prospects in a city which is already struggling with a two-decade-high unemployment rate.
“We can’t afford to go back to the Beattie/Bligh years which suppressed agriculture for 20 years and almost brought the industry to its knees.
“If the changes to the land management laws are passed it will choke farmers with red tape, and where will it stop after that?
“We can’t afford to give in, we need to maintain the current balance.”
Crosby Brosnan Creen Lawyers’ Michael Clive said the Queensland Law Society opposes the proposed changes.
“The legislation removes some fundamental legal rights that people of the public are entitled to,” he said.
“The legislation will be retrospective and also removes the mistake of fact defence.”
Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan said all concerned parties need to continue fighting to stop the laws being passed.
“If farmers can’t develop their own land how are they going to be able to enhance and grow the industry?
“Their is so much opportunity here, but these laws will prohibit high value agricultural production in the north.
“Who would have thought something like this could ever happen.”
Shadow Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps said the proposal is a major threat to the short and long term well being of agricultural communities.
“To counter this threat you all need to reach out to everyone you know to explain the impact that passing these laws will have on agricultural communities.”
Member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth said only one more vote needs to secured to reject the proposed changes being passed in parliament.
“We need to keep the pressure up; lets throw this legislation out,” Mr Knuth said.
Minister Coralee O’Rourke was not present at the rally citing family commitments.