The weather is always front of mind for farmers and while the majority of Queensland remains drought declared, conditions have improved in many regions and many commodity prices remain high. Overall, it has been a productive year for many of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) member industries, but not without their fair share of ongoing and resolved challenges.
On the advocacy front, the backpacker tax, the Great Barrier Reef, vegetation management, electricity prices, water and the Murray Darling Basin were some of the more prominent headlines that dominated QFF’s 2016.
The backpacker tax episode was a disappointing chapter in Australian politics where farmers were used as pawns in an unnecessary, highly politicised power struggle. After 18 long months, an acceptable 15% tax rate (down from the proposed 32.5% rate) was passed at the eleventh hour. A positive take away from the issue was the strengthening of QFF’s productive working relationships with the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).
QFF was an integral part of a couple of major collaborative milestones this year around the Great Barrier Reef. Twelve of the 14 Reef Alliance partners entered into a $46 million Australian Government project to eliminate duplication, boost sharing and provide consistent project support systems to maximise Reef water quality outcomes while ensuring profitable productive agricultural landscapes. QFF also partnered with QTIC and WWF-Australia to apply a robust economic assessment to value the Reef – the Jacobs Report.
Vegetation management again raised its head in Queensland politics in its usual divisive and partisan fashion. Thankfully commonsense prevailed and the proposed government changes were defeated. While the recurring approach to this issue may be good for political theatre, it is not good for industry and the sooner we arrive at a sensible, long-term sustainable position the better. QFF and members will work with all sides of politics to try to realise this position when the issue resurfaces in 2017.
Rising electricity prices and uncertainties around future energy policy continue to remain major concerns for irrigators and primary producers. QFF continued to actively engage with government and energy providers so they understand the negative impacts prices are having on businesses, communities and future investment decisions. This advocacy delivered a government commitment to fund a tariff trail that will hopefully pave the way for further electricity pricing reform. Also, the Energy Savers project provided onsite energy and water efficiencies audits and advice for producers, and with its recently revamped website continues to drive change and results for farmers.
Ensuring access to viable and affordable water for irrigation continued to be a QFF priority. After more than 2.5 years, the chairs of the eight local management irrigation schemes were appointed. QFF supported growers throughout the implementation of the resource operations plan for the Central Lockyer Water Supply Scheme. Last week water assets were included in the farm succession stamp duty exemptions measure that was announced as part of the 2016-17 Budget. Finally, the national campaign for a better outcome for Queensland communities affected by the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s planned water buybacks continues.
As we close out the year, some of the more prominent issues have been resolved and some still have a way to run. QFF thanks its members for their collaboration and assistance in battling these and many other issues in 2016, we look forward to continuing the joint success in 2017.