June 5, 2013
A bland Queensland Budget has delivered few benefits or surprises to the rural sector as the state struggles to regain economic ground, according to AgForce.
AgForce General President Ian Burnett said today that while industry understood the need to restore financial stability, the lack of investment in revenue generating industries like agriculture could only be sustained for a limited time.
“As owners of businesses themselves, the state’s primary producers are critically aware of the importance of being in a strong financial position,” Mr Burnett said.
“However, with softening investment in the resources sector, industries like agriculture are increasingly being focused on to pick up the slack.
“And for a thriving rural sector that can live up to this potential we need further investment.”
Mr Burnett acknowledged Treasurer Tim Nicholls’ moves to largely exclude agriculture from tax increases and to invest some funds in the industry including:
- Queensland Agriculture Strategy – reallocated $14.5 million over two years to underpin implementation of the strategy
- Ongoing natural disaster recovery programs
- Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund – grant of $2 million and loan of $3 million including industry co-funding in 2013/14
- Barley Breeding – $20 million investment over seven years
- Drought Relief – $11.2 million in funding, in-kind contributions or foregone revenue including leasehold rent relief, agistment on National Parks and the inclusion of support for emergency livestock water supplies
- Coal Seam Gas – $11 million 2013/14 across a number of departments for a comprehensive Office of Best Practice Regulation review of the state’s approach to CSG industry regulation
“Furthermore, the Government has continued the uniform electricity tariff policy so rural users have prices equitable with their urban counterparts and this is expected to be worth $615 million over the coming year,” he said.
“However this must be considered in context of the large increases in prices announced on Friday.”
Mr Burnett said while the 2013 budget holds little for agriculture, the industry must be a priority in the future.
“For now we can accept there is no surplus money for any considerable public investment.
“However – moving forward – we will be looking to Government for increased support so that we meet the Premier’s goal of doubling the value of agricultural production by 2030 and provide much needed revenue to state coffers.”
