AgForce General President Grant Maudsley (Photo: AgForce)

November 18, 2017

AgForce has welcomed the release of the LNP’s agriculture policy on Friday, describing it as “a broad platform that addresses many of the concerns of broadacre primary producers”.

AgForce general president Grant Maudsley said Queensland was now the most valuable agricultural State in the country and there was enormous potential for the industry to create and support more jobs with the right policy settings from governments.

“AgForce outlined a comprehensive State Election policy platform to drive growth in agriculture, create more jobs and boost our regional communities, so we are pleased the LNP has picked up on a number of the initiatives we championed on behalf of farmers,” he said.

“Their agriculture policy includes welcome commitments to improve pest and weed management, boost biosecurity, maintain fair vegetation management laws and enhance farm safety.

“It’s also good to see AgForce’s call for improved whole-of-government industry engagement being heeded, as many of the issues affecting agriculture cover a range of portfolios including natural resources, environment, transport and trade.”

Mr Maudsley said AgForce would be keen for more detail on the funding break down of the $25 million pledged over four years for improved weed and pest management.

“Pests and weeds have a massive impact on farm productivity and increased investment is always welcome, but we believe $5 million a year is needed just in the one area of wild dog exclusion fencing,” he said.

“This fencing is helping to revitalise Queensland’s sheep and wool industry, which in turn boosts local economies, and it’s important that whoever forms the next State Government invests enough in this program to cater for the huge demand and get the job done once and for all.”

Mr Maudsley said a report released just this week had highlighted yet again the dangers of quad bikes on farms, so the pledge of up to $2 million over four years for safety rebates was timely.

“This investment would help Queensland farmers to more safely operate up to 4000 vehicles, and the fact the rebate would be available for both new and existing vehicles is important,” he said.

Mr Maudsley said the additional funding pledged for biosecurity, new vets and a “Farmers for the Future” program were also positives for which AgForce would be eager for more detail.

“With the average Queensland farmer now 56 years of age, there is certainly a need to engage the next generation of farmers and we’d be keen to learn how much funding and resources would go into this initiative, including for urban school engagement,” he said.

Mr Maudsley said Queensland agriculture was affected by over 75 Acts and regulations covering more than 17,500 pages, so farmers would welcome a 20 per cent reduction in red tape if it was achieved.

“Overall the LNP’s agriculture policy addresses several, but not all, of AgForce’s key priorities and we would be looking to work with them to tackle our other policy priorities to ensure Queensland agriculture can achieve its full potential and create more job opportunities throughout the State.”


 

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