{"id":293012,"date":"2021-01-28T16:05:44","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T06:05:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=293012"},"modified":"2021-04-09T16:05:49","modified_gmt":"2021-04-09T06:05:49","slug":"biedo-organises-reef-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2021\/01\/28\/biedo-organises-reef-update\/","title":{"rendered":"BIEDO Organises Reef Update"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Alan<\/a>
BIEDO project officer Alan Broome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

January 28, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) has organised two consultation sessions next month to brief landholders about the ramifications of proposed new Barrier Reef protection regulations.<\/p>\n

BIEDO project officer Alan Broome said while the new Draft Standard specifically\u00a0referred to cropping and horticulture, all landowners needed to understand the proposed regulations.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you own or operate any enterprise on rural land in the catchment area it would be in your interest\u00a0to attend,\u201d Mr Broome said.<\/p>\n

The conditions relate to the way the land (or features of the land) are designed, implemented\u00a0and maintained, and include soil and erosion control measures and irrigation requirements.<\/p>\n

From June 1, new or expanded commercial cropping and horticulture activities in catchments – including the Burnett Mary region – on five hectares or more\u00a0will require an environmental permit before the activity or any work takes place.<\/p>\n

The aim is to\u00a0achieve “no net decline” in water quality by preventing and minimising nutrient and sediment run-off\u00a0flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.<\/p>\n

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the new regulations would affect every landholder in the Reef Catchment area, meaning property owners in the South Burnett and Gympie council areas.<\/strong><\/p>\n

She encouraged landholders to attend the consultation sessions, which will be held in Kingaroy and Monto.<\/p>\n

“These regulations will have a major impact on farming operations in our region,” Mrs Frecklington said.<\/p>\n

“The role of the government should be to work alongside farmers and communities towards environmental outcomes, instead of ramming unworkable laws down their throats.<\/p>\n

“I urge you to consider making a submission letting the government know how this will impact your business.”<\/p>\n

The sessions will be held at:<\/strong><\/p>\n