(Photo: AgForce)
April 13, 2026
Farming lobby group AgForce has welcomed the announcement that the Queensland Productivity Commission will hold an inquiry into the impact of Federal environmental legislation on Queensland.
The inquiry, announced by the State Government on Monday, will examine how recent changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are affecting productivity, land management and investment certainty across key sectors, including agriculture and land valuations.
AgForce CEO Niki Ford said the inquiry was a timely opportunity to ensure Queensland’s agricultural systems were properly understood and reflected in national environmental policy.
“Queensland producers operate across diverse and highly managed landscapes, on both freehold and leasehold land, and are already working within comprehensive, outcomes-based state frameworks,” Ms Ford said.
“These systems are designed to deliver environmental outcomes alongside critical food production, and it is critical that Federal settings recognise and align with that reality.”
Ms Ford said Queensland’s legislative frameworks were already delivering “robust, enforceable environmental outcomes”.
She said that while the inquiry was a positive step, it would be critical to ensure it delivered practical outcomes.
“This process must be informed by real on-ground experience and lead to outcomes that are workable for producers,” she said.
“Importantly, while the inquiry is underway, producers need confidence they can continue to operate and invest without increased uncertainty.”
“Regulatory uncertainty doesn’t just affect day-to-day operations, it can flow through to investment confidence, land values and the long-term viability of agricultural businesses.”
AgForce has encouraged producers to share their experiences with the inquiry.
