The LNP this week introduced changes in a bid to protect farmers in reef catchments who are doing the right thing.
Shadow Environment and Great Barrier Reef Minister Sam O’Connor moved amendments to Labor’s Reef Regulations to remove the State Government’s powers to penalise farmers who are accredited under best practice programs.
If passed, farmers who are signed up to a recognised accreditation program and who are following the rules of that program, would be protected from being slapped with an offence under the Reef Regulations.
Mr O’Connor said removing this threat would not only incentivise the take up of industry-led, evidence-based best practice programs, it would go a long way towards making farmers feel like they are genuine partners in protecting our Great Barrier Reef.
“Farmers and landholders are our true environmentalists and this should be acknowledged in law,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We are not going to achieve any improvements in water quality if farmers are not valued and respected.
“We can have a more efficient, more productive agricultural sector at the same time as doing all we can to improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.
“It’s not one or the other as Labor believes.
“The State Government has even acknowledged these programs have standards consistent with, or better than, the standards set in the Reef Regulations.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Perrett welcomed the proposed reform following significant consultation with primary producers, advocacy groups and industry bodies.
“Farmers need to be recognised as genuine environmental partners in protecting the reef, and this amendment will do just that,” Mr Perrett said.
“The LNP’s solution embraces advances in farming that will promote Queensland growers as being at the cutting edge of technology and sustainability, something many growers are already doing.
“The LNP’s plan will also see a greater investment in industry-led best practice programs, like Canegrowers’ Smartcane BMP and AgForce’s AgCare initiatives. Programs run by farmers, for farmers.
“Many Queensland cane farms are already reaping economic, environmental and productivity benefits from the implementation of industry-led, best practice programs.”
“Our plan is a common sense one that futureproofs our vital sugar industry.”
