January 21, 2013
A new agreement struck between the State Government and graziers in the Fitzroy Basin could ultimately have benefits for the South Burnett.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said today the Fitzroy Basin Association, AgForce and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry had developed a voluntary grazing Best Management Practices (BMP) plan through a project in the Fitzroy Basin.
“We are working with the grazing industry to help producers transition from regulation to an industry-led system underpinned by profitability, productivity and land stewardship,” Mr McVeigh said.
“The Newman Government is supporting graziers as they develop BMP programs and identify the most profitable and sustainable management practices for their own businesses.”
A spokesman for Agriculture Minister Mr John McVeigh told southburnett.com.au that although the BMP was initially covering the Fitzroy Basin, the plan was for it to move into other catchments and ultimately extend to all of Queensland.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the new grazing BMP was modelled on the successful grains and cotton BMPs.
“We need to support Queensland producers’ ability to capitalise on new markets and opportunities, and work with them to provide the right support, science and services to enable grazing enterprises to succeed,” Mr Powell said.
“The framework developed through productive negotiations places the grazing industry in a strong position to boost profitability while improving water quality in the reef catchments.
“Voluntary best management practices are the product of the wealth of knowledge and experience in the grazing industry and local Natural Resource Management groups, together with research and support for sustainable production.
“The Queensland Government is committed to supporting the industry by making research and development central to improving productivity, profitability and sustainability.
“We will encourage the Grazing and Cane BMPs by funding industry to develop and implement BMP programs, as well as funding projects and extension activities, and by providing agronomic and water quality management advice.
“My department will continue to work with industry groups to evaluate the policy and legislative program, recognising that these industries, under their respective BMP programs, are responsible for benchmarking the performance of their producers.”
