Aussie Producers Have Beef with Land Grab
AUSTRALIA - One of the bright spots in the Queensland’s economy – agriculture – is under threat from proposed changes to regrowth management, and the beef supply chain will pay the price.
26 March 2009
1 minute read
AgForce Cattle president Grant Maudsley said the beef industry alone contributes $3.4 billion to the Queensland economy and supports many thousands of meat processing jobs in urban areas such as Dinmore and Beenleigh.
Speaking at a beef forum in Calliope today, Mr Maudsley said the ongoing strength of the industry is based on innovation by beef producers and world-leading resource management and grazing practices.
“There is huge concern in the bush about the impact of Labor election commitments including a proposed three-month moratorium and new restrictions on regrowth clearing, the introduction of three more Wild Rivers, and new regulations over reef run-off,” Mr Maudsley said.
“Premier Bligh gave AgForce a commitment that there would be negotiations with farmers before any changes are made to vegetation management laws and we look forward to meeting with the Premier and newly named Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson to present the facts about sustainable beef production.
“We will not take a step backwards. AgForce Cattle will not accept a single hectare of well-managed productive land being unnecessarily removed from production.”
Mr Maudsley said the proposed three-month moratorium on regrowth clearing will present massive issues for all landholders currently operating under vegetation management principles.
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