As we move into the New Year, AgForce is firmly focused on setting priorities that support Queensland producers and protect the future of our industry.
Our immediate attention has been on beef producers in the state’s north west around Julia Creek, who are once again facing emotional and financial devastation following recent flooding. While many Australians enjoyed time with family over the festive season, these graziers were responding to floods that, in some cases, exceeded those experienced in 2019. More than 50,000 cattle have already been lost, with those numbers expected to rise as ex-tropical cyclone Koji threatens to reform and deliver further rain to already overwhelmed communities.
I want to sincerely thank AgForce members and staff who stepped up during their break and continue to work tirelessly, advocating for appropriate levels of financial assistance and mental health support from all levels of government so affected producers can begin rebuilding.
At the same time, AgForce is on the front foot urging the Federal Government to work more directly with farmers on the recent changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
Late last year, pivotal amendments were passed with little to no consultation with Queensland producers, despite the significant implications for how land is managed. We are deeply concerned these impacts will be compounded by how the reforms are implemented on the ground. Current self-assessment and referral expectations are unrealistic and risk undermining both agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes.
Farmers manage around half of Australia’s landmass and deliver environmental outcomes every day through continuous, practical land stewardship. Yet agriculture has not been given a meaningful role in shaping how the new EPBC standards will operate in practice.
AgForce is particularly concerned that routine infrastructure works, remedial actions and everyday land-management activities are now being captured by EPBC self-assessment requirements. Some are escalating to full referral processes, involving significant costs and delays of up to 18 months. We estimate producers could spend 30 to 70 hours per activity on self-assessments, with referral costs exceeding $50,000.
The flow-on effects are profound. Time spent navigating red tape is time not spent maintaining habitat, managing fire risk, protecting waterways or controlling invasive species. At a time of increasing climate volatility, we need faster, more practical responses — not slower ones.
It’s not too late to get this right. By working with farmers, recognising existing state-based frameworks and exempting routine and remedial activities, government can deliver better environmental outcomes without crippling food and fibre production.
Farmers want to be partners in environmental stewardship — not regulated out of the ability to do so.
