May 10, 2018
AgForce says this year’s Federal Budget is “measured and forward looking” with some good investments in key priority areas for Queensland broadacre primary producers, but it is overlooking other issues of immediate importance.
AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said agriculture was the fastest growing industry in Australia.
One in seven jobs in Queensland was either partially or entirely supported by the food sector, so an investment in agriculture was an investment in the nation’s future.
“Transport is one of the biggest costs for primary producers so we are always keen to see infrastructure investment that makes it safer, easier and cheaper to get our goods to market,” Mr Guerin said.
“AgForce had been calling for a national regional infrastructure fund, so we were pleased to see the Federal Budget include a Roads of Strategic Importance initiative with $1.5 billion to upgrade key freight corridors in northern Australia, as well as a new round of the Building Better Regions Fund.
“It was also great to see a boost for biosecurity, funding for improved global positioning satellite technology, investment in trade promotion and the extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for a further 12 months.
“However, we were disappointed there was no new commitment to further address mobile phone black spots.
“The need for better telecommunications is one of the biggest issues for people living and working in the bush.
“Phone and internet services are an economic and social lifeline for regional, rural and remote Queenslanders and need to be more reliable and more affordable.”
Mr Guerin said AgForce also welcomed additional funding for mental health support, including for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, but would have liked to have seen more assistance for Queensland communities and producers facing their sixth year of drought.
“Overall, this Budget will certainly deliver some good benefits and outcomes for Queensland agriculture, particularly over the long term,” he said.
“But it does ignore some of the immediate challenges confronting our rural communities.”
