The state government's decision to scrap freight subsidies for drought-stricken producers has been savaged by Traeger MP Robbie Katter and opposition agriculture spokesman Tony Perrett.
Last week the state government released its long-awaited independent drought program review, which made 20 recommendations to improve Queensland's future drought response.
The report recommended scrapping freight subsidies for livestock, water and fodder transport on the basis of low uptake.
Mr Katter said this decision would ripple through Queensland's agricultural industries.
"If you're going to take away something then what is the alternative to try stabilise a critical rural industry through prolonged drought?" he said.
"This doesn't just hit the producers themselves, but all of the contractors built around that industry as well.
"This is an industry-crippling decision targeting people who are already on their knees."
Mr Perrett said the report, which the government sat on for almost five months before releasing, had not been worth the wait.
"Instead of more drought support from the Palaszczuk Labor Government, farmers and drought affected communities are facing cuts to their fodder and water transport subsidies," he said.
"Those doing it tough were expecting Labor's drought report to deliver more, not less, for farmers.
"Labor's cuts to the overall funding to drought support in this state should be called out for what they really are - a disgrace."
It was especially tough to swallow the decision with some producers still battling the duel impacts of prolonged drought followed by the devastating floods earlier this year, Mr Katter said.
"I am unsure as to how bad things need to get before our governments realise the actual value of our food production industries.
"We'll likely be spooning processed foreign meat out of tin by then, because it is getting near on impossible to achieve sustainability in our food production industries in this state."
The freight subsidies will remain in place for the current drought, including any drought declarations made before June 2020.
The review was conducted by former Queensland Farmers' Federation chief executive officer Ruth Wade and former AgForce boss Charles Burke.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the state government had accepted 13 of the recommendations and accepted in principle a further six.
"One recommendation is that we cease fodder and water freight subsidies and livestock freight subsidies in future droughts," he said.
"That will be a major transition for the livestock sector, however we will work closely with industry to reshape future programs and improve existing ones.
"We'll do this while consulting closely with industry through the Agriculture Ministerial Advisory Committee to implement reforms."
AgForce chief executive Michael Guerin said the peak industry body was cautiously optimistic about the report, although some producers would be anxious about the loss of freight subsidies.
"While we are reassured that they will remain in place for the duration of the current drought - including any further declarations made before June 2020 - we need to ensure effective assistance for producers with the additional costs of drought," he said.
"We welcome the introduction of more science into drought declarations, but insist that 'local knowledge' must continue to be a feature of these assessments."
Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said the cuts to water and fodder freight subsidies were "a kick in the guts" to farmers "while they're on their knees".
