UPDATE: Farmer advocacy groups and political leaders are in uproar following the passage of the controversial Commonwealth Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 in Federal Parliament. The Federal Labor Government has accepted sweeping amendments from The Greens, prompting immediate backlash from key stakeholders, including the National Farmers’ Federation and state politicians.
The newly enacted amendments impose strict regulations on landholders managing regrowth on their properties. Notably, the removal of the ‘continuing use’ exemption for vegetation older than 15 years means landholders with Category X vegetation will now be forced to seek assessment and approval under the EPBC Act. This change has raised alarm bells across the farming community.
Speaking at a rally in Wyreema last week, AgForce General President Shane McCarthy emphasized the importance of the implementation phase. “What happens in this phase will determine if these laws truly support environmental outcomes or hinder crucial land management practices,” he said, highlighting the need for policies that reflect Queensland’s diverse ecosystems.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett voiced his concerns, stating that family farms, some of which have operated for generations, will now face bureaucratic hurdles akin to those encountered by mining companies. “The Labor-Greens deal is an insult to Queensland’s farmers and forestry workers,” Perrett asserted, criticizing the legislation for undermining local knowledge and creating unnecessary red tape.
The amendments have sparked fears of increased uncertainty surrounding land use and vegetation management, with farmers already facing stringent regulations. McCarthy pointed out the unique characteristics of Queensland’s bioregions, noting that policies must adapt to the local environment. “Regrowth doesn’t adhere to set timelines; it varies with rainfall and seasonal conditions,” he explained.
Farmers across the state are bracing for the potential impacts of these changes, which could disrupt traditional land management practices and threaten their livelihoods. The urgency surrounding this issue is palpable, as stakeholders call for immediate dialogue with the government to address their concerns.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the implementation of the Commonwealth Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025. Farmers and advocates are standing firm, demanding that their voices be heard and that their rights to manage their land responsibly be upheld.
Keep an eye on this unfolding story as farmers unite against what they perceive as an overreach of federal powers. The implications of this legislation could resonate for generations, affecting not only agricultural practices but also the very fabric of rural Queensland.
