Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) welcomes the federal government’s announcement that will encourage carbon abatement activities in the primary production sector and help Australia deliver on its net zero emissions target by 2050.
The concessional tax treatment to primary producers that generate revenue from the sale of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) and biodiversity certificates will provide farmers with an estimated $100 million benefit through the tax system over the forward estimates.
Jo Sheppard, CEO of QFF said farmers are the natural custodians of the land and are leading the world in the development and implementation of on farm initiatives and practices that are delivering strong environmental outcomes and assisting the nation to deliver on its net zero emissions target by 2050.
Read more here.
2. While the SEQ City Deal didn’t carry many direct benefits for SEQ’s primary producers, Queensland Farmer’s Federation (QFF) welcomes the initial $13.3 million that will flow from the deal to producers through the Lockyer Valley Council’s water initiatives program.
This funding will continue the valuable work that has been done to manage erosion.
“It is vital that streambank erosion is continued to be managed in the Lockyer Valley, to ensure the long-term viability of the agricultural sector in Queensland, and that Queensland continues to produce world class food.” said Jo Sheppard, CEO of QFF.
“Without streambank rehabilitation we will continue to lose the fertile soil required for agriculture, with some land becoming nonviable for future food production.
“It is paramount that the government continue to see this as a state-wide issue, that requires climate change mitigation planning, that factors in the loss of soil into our river systems, in intense rainfall events.”
Read more here
3. DROUGHT FUNDING REFORM – In a win for the intensive agriculture sector, the Queensland Government announced a comprehensive set of reforms that will ensure more primary producers get access to drought assistance programs.
For the first time, the new drought programs that focus on fostering greater preparedness and business resilience, will be made available for a broader range of eligible Queensland primary producers.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) CEO, Jo Sheppard said the reforms represented many years of advocacy by QFF on behalf of our member organisations and it was a significant opportunity for the intensive and irrigated agriculture sector that includes cane, cotton and horticulture.
“We welcome the expanding drought program eligibility to primary producers across all agricultural industries and removing the requirement to be in a drought-declared region in order to access the new preparedness assistance.
Read more here:
4. DROUGHT ASSISTANCE GRANT WEBINARS THIS WEEK – Following the announcement of the drought reform package last week, DAF and QRIDA are hosting a series of industry webinars around the new Queensland drought assistance. Find out about the new preparedness grants and loans as well as workshops and training available for a Farm Business Plan. There will also be a seasonal climate forecast update. Register here
5. YOUR SUBMISSION COUNTS – QFF encourages you to put forward a submission, even if only a few sentences, if you are concerned about the costs of your power bill going up.
Background: The Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen intends to set regulated electricity prices to apply in regional Queensland in 2022–23. The Minister’s office have published a DRAFT determination and invite submissions by 7 April 2022. They will consider all submissions received by that date with a final determination due in May 2022.
Regulated electricity prices for regional Queensland 2022–23 (qca.org.au)
6. The Australian Government is providing $9 million through the Future Drought Fund to put boots on the ground in regional Australia and give farmers practical assistance applying the latest in drought resilience innovation and technology.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said a new national network of Adoption Officers would be based across the eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs.
“Locals know their regional communities and needs better than anyone and that’s why key roles, like Adoption Officers are best in these communities,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This investment is equal to 20 new full-time jobs in regional Australia to support agriculture to prepare for the next drought, that will inevitably come.
Read more here
7. FLOOD CONSULTATION T2W – Community consultation on a proposed pipeline from Toowoomba to Warwick has been extended, to ensure any residents who may have been impacted by the recent floods still have time to have their say.
Consultation was scheduled to close this week, but Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher said late submissions will be accepted until the end of March.
“We know there are many who are working through a range of issues associated with the recent floods and we don’t want those people to lose the opportunity to share their opinion about this important project,” he said.
The proposed pipeline aims to improve Warwick’s drought resilience and provide water supply to Toowoomba regional towns along the route, while ensuring there are no negative impacts to Toowoomba’s water security. Submission can be made here
SUPPORT – Following SEQ rainfall and flooding, grants of up to $75K are available for affected producers to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and other costs associated with the recovery process. To read the guidelines and make an application, visit the QRIDA website HERE or contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946.
8. The University of Queensland’s UQSkills is delivering regional training to Agri-businesswomen at a heavily subsidised rate. Bringing the total cost to $125 per participant for the Farm Business Management Skillset.
This is an intensive 4-day workshop and is designed for agri-businesswomen already working at a management level.
To view more information click here: https://uqskills.uq.edu.au/farm-business-management-skill-set-special-edition
9. QFF JOINS PEAK BODIES IN HOUSING CRISIS CALL – Queensland’s worsening housing crisis has led to eleven of the state’s peak bodies uniting in a call for urgent action from the Federal Government.
The peak bodies have written to the Federal Minister for Housing, Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar, and the Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Jason Clare, urgently seeking a National Housing Summit to kickstart a collaboration of all tiers of government and industry.
The letter details the impact of a ‘perfect housing storm’ on Queensland and its resulting social challenges for individuals, families, business, industry and local communities state-wide.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation has joined the action as the agriculture sector continues to face workforce issues.
“The lack of housing available across Queensland is causing a flow on affect to our agriculture sector. The already challenging prospect of attracting and retaining workers has been exacerbated by the current housing crisis” said Jo Sheppard, CEO of Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF). Read more here.
10. NBN TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE TO BUSH BROADBAND – NBN Co has confirmed its Skymuster Plus product will deliver a range of upgrades to improve speeds and unlimited downloads between 12 midnight and 4pm. This will improve the ability of rural and regional Queensland agriculture enterprises to access affordable, reliable and adequate connectivity to do business. For further information see this post from Better Internet for Regional and Rural Australia detailing the improved services.