What we’re calling for
- Investment in a ‘spine of resources’ for natural hazard mitigation to support the needs of farm businesses through the cycle of natural disasters and drought.
- $24 million over 4 years to deliver on-farm water efficiency support for farmers, and extension of the irrigation discount
- $10 million over 4 years for the SmartAg Queensland program to increase skills and capacity across the agriculture sector through industry-led initiatives.
- $8 million over 4 years to accelerate smart metering, switchboard upgrades, data use and data security to enable farmers to access energy innovation and tariff efficiencies.
- Development of a strategic plan as a priority for food and agriculture to ensure the future viability of farmers so that consumers can continue to access high quality, affordable Australian food, fibre and foliage.
- Elevation of biosecurity including a whole of government commitment to work with industry to review Queensland’s current biosecurity funding model and build the capacity to manage the increased risks ahead.
- Removal of stamp duty on crop insurance to assist farmers to manage climate risk which currently costs the government between $3 million – $5 million in lost revenue.
- An effective approach to land use planning to ensure the protection of prime agricultural land and management of the impacts of increased demand for land such as urban development, environmental requirements and developer offsets, the renewable energy rollout, carbon farming, mining and gas.
- Investment in vital road and transport networks including the Bruce Highway and Bremer Bridge, and improvement in planning and management of the transport of renewable infrastructure on road networks.