16 October 2026. Josefine Pettersson, AgForce Head of Industry Development.
When producers don't speak up, governments can assume the rules they have written are working. And when it comes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, that is an assumption Queensland agriculture cannot afford.
Over recent weeks, AgForce has taken its EPBC Roadshow across regional Queensland, bringing producers face-to-face with the National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
From Augathella and Muckadilla to Cloncurry, Millmerran, Longreach, Charleville, Quilpie and Birdsville, these forums have provided something increasingly important: an opportunity for producers to challenge how national environmental laws will work on their properties, directly with those responsible for implementing them.
The message has been consistent. Environmental protection and productive agriculture must coexist, and the regulation must recognise the realities of managing Queensland landscapes.
For producers, the concerns are practical. Firebreaks, vegetation management, fencing, water infrastructure and routine agricultural activities can all raise questions about Commonwealth environmental requirements. Uncertainty around what is permitted creates real risks for business decisions, future investment and ongoing land management.
Through sustained advocacy, AgForce has secured important improvements in recognising agricultural activities. However, the framework remains unnecessarily complex, and significant concerns remain about regulatory certainty and the narrowing of continuing use provisions.
One of the most valuable outcomes of the Roadshow has been putting real Queensland examples directly before the EPA, demonstrating where national guidance fails to reflect agricultural production cycles and active land management.
Importantly, these discussions have allowed AgForce to seek commitments from the EPA to improve its Farmers' Guide to better reflect Queensland conditions. Our focus now is ensuring those commitments translate into clear, practical written guidance that producers can confidently rely on.
Verbal assurances are not enough when producers are making decisions that affect their livelihoods.
The Roadshow also reinforces why strong industry representation matters. Every producer who attends, raises a concern or shares an example strengthens our ability to push for better outcomes. Without that feedback, decision-makers can remain unaware of the consequences of the rules they impose.
We thank everyone who has participated, the EPA for engaging directly with producers, and particularly Meat & Livestock Australia for supporting these important forums.
Our work is far from finished. Further Roadshows are planned for Rolleston and Nebo in November, followed by Proserpine and Hastings in December. I strongly encourage producers to attend, ask questions and understand what the EPBC Act could mean for their businesses.
AgForce will continue pushing for legislative improvements, practical guidance and recognition of the environmental stewardship Queensland producers already deliver. But while that advocacy continues, producers must understand the potential risks to their operations and future management decisions.
Strong advocacy depends on a strong industry standing behind it. Being an AgForce member means supporting the work that protects your interests, so you can focus on what you do best: producing food and fibre, knowing you have an organisation fighting for you.
Because if we don't make it clear to decision-makers where the system isn't working, we cannot expect them to deliver the improvements our industry needs.
