Agforce to Promote Beef at Beef 2009

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA - AgForce representatives will be out in force at Beef 2009 as the organisation continues work on the range of fronts including the regrowth moratorium, developing a state-wide integrated transport system for agricultural products and the review of the cattle transaction levy.

1 May 2009

3 minute read

Oceania

President John Cotter, vice-president Ian Burnett, AgForce Cattle acting president Grant Maudsley, AgForce Cattle board member Howard Smith and policy staff will be listening to feedback from members during the triennial beef extravaganza in Rockhampton from May 4-9.

Producers impacted by the three-month moratorium on regrowth clearing can electronically lodge their e-survey feedback at AgForce which has a joint site 36-39 in the Beef Central Pavilion with Cattle Council of Australia, Wesfarmers Federation Insurance and Austsafe Super.

“AgForce is looking to quantify the production impacts and potential job losses flowing from the regrowth moratorium so we are encouraging all producers to complete this e-survey on our website www.agforceqld.org.au or in person at our Beef 2009 site,” Mr Cotter said.

He reinterated that AgForce is not taking a backward step on the regrowth issue, which represents an attempt to wind back the clock on managing already cleared land for dubious and unsubstantiated environmental gain.

Additionally, AgForce is seeking to clarify whether the Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, section 43 Continuing Provisions of Use, has precedence over the state legislation.

“Regrowth of brigalow, for example, which was cleared before January 2000 can continue to be managed under the EPBC Act and there is an interesting legal case study to be resolved there.”

The development of an integrated transport strategy for agricultural products has been raised twice this week with new Transport Minister Rachel Nolan, in Toowoomba Sunday and in Brisbane Tuesday, who indicated her willingness to work with AgForce to bring this plan to fruition. “Minister Nolan recommitted the Queensland Government to developing an integrated strategy for transporting cattle and grain from rural Queensland to markets and processing plants in a timely and affordable fashion,” Mr Cotter said.

“Additionally, she committed to the need for transparency in Queensland Rail costing and booking processes, and the need to consider whole-of-community costs to ensure agriculture has appropriate access to rail and road transport.

“Cattle are moved extensively on rail from central and north Queensland so we are interested in gathering more feedback from beef producers about their individual requirements.”

Mr Cotter will be speaking at a Beef 2009 Livestock Transport forum on Tuesday May 5 from 4.30- 6.30pm at the James Lawrence Pavilion about producer obligations under the new legislation.

The Cattle Transaction Levy review will be another top issue under discussion at the AgForce site as industry considers whether the $1.50 marketing levy will be retained as part of the CTL.

AgForce Cattle acting president Grant Maudsley said understanding producers’ thoughts on the industry funding committee’s recommendation and understanding the very best ways for Meat & Livestock Australia to use the CTL is core business for AgForce.

“I am looking forward to discussions on the levy and how Queensland beef exports and domestic production can be safeguarded and supported by marketing and communication activities by MLA. It should be a great week,” Mr Maudsley said.