12 Feb 2026
Australia’s farmers understand that productive agriculture and a healthy environment are interdependent, not competing priorities. For generations, they have managed land, water and biodiversity with a long-term view, because the sustainability of their businesses depends on it.
That’s why recent reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act have raised genuine concern across the agricultural sector. While there is broad support for strong environmental outcomes, many producers are uneasy about the pace of change and the lack of consultation or clarity around how the reforms will operate on the ground.
Queensland farmers are global leaders in environmental stewardship. Across QFF’s membership, industry-led and science-based programs deliver improvements in soil health, water and energy efficiency, biodiversity and emissions reduction. These initiatives demonstrate that strong environmental outcomes are best achieved when policy builds on proven, practical approaches.
The challenge with the current EPBC reforms is not their intent, but how they will be applied. Fixed regrowth timeframes and national standards risk oversimplifying complex landscapes, leaving producers questioning the evidence behind these settings and how local conditions will be accommodated.
QFF supports an environmental framework that delivers strong outcomes while supporting sustainable food and fibre production. Achieving that balance requires trust, transparency and ongoing dialogue. Queensland agriculture, environment and production must be considered together, with policy informed by the realities of those who manage the land every day.
Queensland cannot meet its environmental and climate commitments without farmers; farmers cannot fully participate without clear, trusted, on-the-ground support. Done well, environmental initiatives and markets can deliver strong outcomes while supporting farm profitability, resilience and long-term sustainability for regional communities. Done poorly, ill-informed policy risks unintended consequences for future generations.
QFF welcomes the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Murray Watt’s willingness to participate in on-farm engagement before standards are finalised. This is a positive step and reinforces the value of policy being informed by practical, boots-on-the-ground experience. QFF, Cotton Australia, and our other members join AgForce, NFF and other industry bodies in calling on the federal government to work with the sector to get this right.