Despite all our efforts and pleas, it is clear the Queensland Government is not yet prepared to sit down and talk about sensible vegetation management regulations that protect the environment and deliver good economic and social outcomes.
So we’re changing gears. It now appears we have to build campaign momentum right through to the next State Election in October 2020.
AgForce has begun the planning process for a two-and-a-half year campaign and suggests five streams of interest:
- Best Management Practices, Innovation and Engagement – Driving and highlighting continually improving management practices and building our connection with consumers.
- Political campaigning – Making representations to politicians and putting political pressure on politicians in marginal seats.
- Applied science – Assessing and developing the scientific evidence around vegetation management, woodlands and rangeland ecology in Queensland.
- Legal standing – Pursuing legal options around the impacts of the vegetation management laws.
- Resetting policy – Developing legislative alternatives that support sustainable food production and secure rights for landholders.
We are seeking input from our members about these proposed streams via an online survey and the results so far show members rate each of these areas roughly of equal importance.
This will be a marathon, not a sprint, but AgForce will not be letting up and will be continuing to work hard on this issue and the myriad of other issues affecting broadacre primary producers.
As an independent, non-government, not-for-profit organisation, our strength lies in our people.
It is only through Queensland beef, sheep and wool, and grains producers voluntarily joining AgForce and paying membership fees that we can deliver services and support, provide policy leadership and advocate on industry’s behalf.
It will be a long hard road ahead, but I look forward to your continued support and feedback as together we work to develop and drive a long-lasting solution to an issue that has been divisive for far too long.
