June 14, 2017
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation says it is underwhelmed by this week’s State Budget.
The association said there had been a lot of talk about the importance of agriculture to the Queensland economy, but the Budget had fallen short of the hype, leaving farmers underwhelmed.
QFF President Stuart Armitage said while there were positives in the Budget around investing in regional Queensland jobs and programs, there was a concerning omission and lack of acknowledgment of agriculture’s role in supporting jobs and growth throughout the State.
“The State Budget has failed to properly fund and support a vision that rightfully places Queensland agriculture as a major contributor and employer,” he said.
“It is disappointing that the reliable workhorse of rural and regional Queensland appears to be overlooked in the government’s vision for the State.
“We welcome continued investments in drought support, Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority funding, money to help cap bores in the Great Artesian Basin and the $1.3 million Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program, but many issues are under-addressed.
“The number one issue across agriculture, and for many other regional businesses, is unsustainable electricity prices.
“The government’s plan to address this was outlined prior to the Budget, however QFF is reserving judgement until some price relief is demonstrated.
“QFF commend the government’s continued investment into biosecurity through the containment and eradication of White Spot Disease and Panama Tropical Race 4, however, funding to build much-needed capacity is missing.
“Queensland agriculture has been calling for a considered and substantial bolstering of the State’s biosecurity capabilities to ensure we have a system that appropriately invests in precautionary as well as reactionary measures.”
The QFF said a major blow was the failure of the State Budget to remove stamp duty tax on agricultural insurance.
“It was disappointing that the State Government chose not to listen to industry on such simple and pragmatic reforms that would remove barriers and stimulate our sector,” Mr Armitage said.
