The Department of Defence’s plan to expand military training facilities in North and Central Queensland has been in the political and media spotlight over the past fortnight.
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Defence Minister Marise Payne and Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten have both visited Central Queensland this week to address the issue, while further north, Senator Ian MacDonald copped a grilling from affected landholders in Charters Towers.
Unfortunately, the Federal Government is still refusing to rule out the compulsory acquisition of up to 300,000 hectares of farm land so Singaporean soldiers can train more often in Australia, although they have said it would be “an absolute last resort”.
The Minister also committed to fast tracking a final decision on the Defence master plan within the next four weeks and giving more consideration to using existing Defence land reserves to cater for increased training needs.
AgForce stands with landholders in opposing compulsory acquisition of these farms.
We are all aware the Federal Government has compulsory acquisition powers, but we believe forcing agricultural producers off their land for the benefit of the Singaporean army is an abuse of that power.
This issue has again demonstrated the need to recognise the importance of agriculture and give it the priority it deserves in land use planning.
It highlights how we need to keep reinforcing the volume and value of what we produce, and for politicians not to take rural support for granted.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Australian economy, worth a record $60 billion this year. Treating farmers and local communities with this sort of contempt is no way to repay that contribution.
This has the potential to disrupt viable family businesses as well as place an enormous emotional toll on these families.
AgForce has this week joined with the National Farmers Federation to launch the #DefendOurFarms campaign so all Australians can demonstrate their support for affected landholders and communities.
I encourage all readers to log on to www.farmers.org.au/defendourfarms and follow the prompts to send an email to Ms Payne urging her to take compulsory acquisition off the table.
Let the Minister know in no uncertain terms that compulsory acquisitions should not be used to turn farms into firing ranges.
