Food Security And Environmental Protection Fundamental
6 May 2025. Michael Guerin, AgForce CEO.
As this column is published and the full outcome of the federal election is still emerging, our newish State Government has also released its ambitious plan for Queensland agriculture for the next quarter of a century.
Department of Primary Industries | Queensland primary industries 25-year blueprint.
Known as “Primary Industries Prosper 2050 – a 25 year blueprint for Queensland’s primary industries”, the plan sets out an exciting course for Industry and Regional Queensland, and importantly, seeks to tie the State Government in as a partner in delivery.
It sets a powerful platform for necessary policy reform as a critical part of meeting some bold objectives.
Queensland is Australia’s largest agricultural state by production, which as we know has a large potential upside if – for example – the Northern Development is given a proper chance of success.
Strengthening food security and boosting production is predicated partly on raising the profile of our Natural Capital assets as a key component of that increase in production.
An aligned vision between state and federal governments is a prerequisite of delivering against this opportunity – and is in fact crucial to its success.
For example, much-needed environmental reform requires a co-ordinated policy reform agenda between Federal and State jurisdictions.
Another aspect of this is the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act at a Federal level, and its interplay with state laws around Vegetation Management, Nature Conservation and the Great Barrier Reef.
And let’s not forget things like co-existence and biosecurity.
As the full implications of the federal election crystallise in coming days and weeks, it is time for Ag Advocacy to redouble our efforts, with AgForce calling for unity and collaboration right across the advocacy ecosystem.
To say our landscapes and food security are on the line is no exaggeration, and must be front of mind.
The current status quo will not do – equally with a little vision it is easy to see a real opportunity here.
It’s time to knuckle down and chase some bold and audacious reform.
https://agforceqld.org.au/knowledgebase/article/AGF-02432/