3 May 2016
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) believe that the Federal Budget will deliver steady and responsible long term investment into the infrastructure and development that supports Queensland agriculture.
QFF President Stuart Armitage commended the Government for a balanced and considered approach to funding projects that will benefit the agriculture industry and regional Australia.
“QFF welcomes the Government’s $2 billion National Water Infrastructure Fund Loan Facility which should allow the state government to invest in critical dam, pipeline and other water infrastructure needed for agriculture development.”
“It is also good to see the $594 million in funding for the inland rail for land acquisitions and planning.”
“QFF welcome this investment to continue development of this long term project that will benefit our members and agriculture industry.”
“It is positive to see that the Reef Trust will receive an extra $70 million to go towards improving the health of the Great Barrier Reef. QFF and its industry members have been working with the Government and NRM groups to reduce farming impacts so this is very welcome news.”
“Identification of biosecurity risks are a challenge for the farm sector and the allocation of $15.9 million over 4 years to enhance analytical capabilities is welcome news for our members and the industry generally.”
“QFF commend the government for their continued funding of the Rural Financial Counselling Service with the $7.1 million over the next 4 years. This program is a valued and vital assistance to our industry and communities.”
The Budget did however leave a sense of disappointment and frustration around issues such as the Backpacker Tax and the lack of funding to resolve mobile phone black spots in regional Queensland.
“QFF is disappointed that the Government has not removed the uncertainty around the Backpacker Tax which is poised to impact our Queensland horticulture, cotton industry members and regional communities from 1 July this year. The Backpacker Tax has now become an election issue.” said Mr. Armitage.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation is the united voice of intensive agriculture in Queensland. It is a federation that represents the interests of 17 of Queensland’s peak rural industry organisations, which in turn collectively represent more than 13,000 primary producers across Queensland.
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