Media Releases

16 Jun 2009 AGRICULTURE ECONOMIC STRENGTH ACKNOWLDGED BUT NOT ENCOURAGED IN STATE BUDGET

The Queensland State Government has released a budget that recognises the inherent strength and resilience of our agricultural industries but has done little to encourage further growth to help the sector pull the state economy along with it, according to peak farm lobby group, Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF).

CEO Dan Galligan said the Government has delivered a responsible budget in terms of taking tough decisions on investing in long term infrastructure projects and cutting back on spending.

“It is pleasing to note that the Treasurer finally acknowledged that the farming sector was basically the only bright spot on the economic spectrum,” Mr Galligan said.

On the positive front the Government has recommitted to the highly successfully rural water use efficiency initiative by providing $4.5million over four years to build climate change resilience by partnering with industry to promote water and energy efficiency in irrigation systems

Mr Galligan added that the continued support for the vital reforms to the functions of the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries agency were also welcomed.

“However, it is unfortunate that the Bligh Government has not followed this up with sensible policy decisions.

“Many of the decisions that restrict farmers in growing their businesses come from poor policy that results in ineffective spending. This is no more the case than the Government committing $50M dollars in regulating farming practices in reef catchments and imposing the tax to increase fuel prices by around 9 cents per litre.

“There is no doubt that the global economic crisis has hit the State revenue base hard, and the Government must show fiscal responsibility.

However, much more can be done in policy reform around planning, and inappropriate regulation that would remove barriers that limit the potential for rural communities and their agricultural base to grow and in addition save costs to Government.” Mr Galligan said.

Back