10 May 2017
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed the 2017 Federal Budget that will deliver steady and responsible long term investment into the infrastructure and policies that support Queensland agriculture.
QFF President Stuart Armitage commended the government for a balanced and considered approach to funding projects that will benefit agriculture and regional Queensland.
Inland Rail
“QFF welcomes the government’s once in a 100-year project funding for the $8.4 billion commitment to start building the Melbourne to Brisbane inland freight rail.”
“QFF principally welcome the inland rail project as it will deliver sector wide benefits, but some concerns about the Queensland corridor, namely the impact on prime agricultural land and key flood plains, are yet to be resolved.”
“It is essential with a project of such significance and importance that farmers and regional communities’ concerns are heard and where possible accommodated. QFF will be resolute in representing interests of farmers affected by the inland rail project.”
Small business asset write off
“QFF welcome the $20,000 immediate asset write-off provisions for small businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million being extended for another 12 months, and it is pleasing to see that the government has acknowledged the realities of modern farming by increasing the turnover limit.”
“It is unfortunate however that farmers do not have the certainty of a long-term asset write-off arrangement past the 12 months extension. A longer term commitment is needed.”
National Landcare Program
“QFF commend the government for investing $1 billion over 5 years in the National Landcare Program, in particular the allocation of funds towards eradicating Red Imported Fire Ants from south-east Queensland.”
“Fire Ants are a major issue for farmers across many agricultural industries and we welcome this targeted funding to help resolve the devastating economic, environmental and social impacts of one of the world’s worst invasive species.”
Regional Investment Corporation
“QFF is eager to see what benefits will flow for Queensland farmers out of the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) funded in this Budget.”
“It is important to note that QRAA has very adequately carried out the RIC responsibilities in Queensland and the Northern Territory for a long time. QFF will therefore be expecting that national consistency and streamlined administration through the RIC will result in more government money getting on the ground.”
Rural & Regional Telecommunications
“It is disappointing that the government has not allocated the necessary funding increase needed to break the ‘Data Drought’ affecting rural and regional Australia.”
“Queensland farm businesses are modern, innovative and require access to ‘big data’ services. The Budget has failed to adequately address our sector’s concerns with ‘mobile blackspots’, or deliver better connectivity and download and upload speeds.”
Conclusion
“The Federal Government’s Budget has delivered upon several promises for agriculture with some important investments on infrastructure projects of national significance, however there are some notable shortcomings.”
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