AgForce has welcomed the announcement that the Queensland Productivity Commission will undertake an independent inquiry into the impacts of Federal environmental legislation on Queensland.
The inquiry will examine how recent changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are affecting productivity, land management and investment certainty across key sectors, including agriculture and land valuations.
AgForce CEO Niki Ford said the inquiry was a timely opportunity to ensure Queensland's agricultural systems are properly understood and reflected in national environmental policy.
"Queensland producers operate across diverse and highly managed landscapes-on both freehold and leasehold land-and are already working within comprehensive, outcomes-based state frameworks," Ms Ford said.
"These systems are designed to deliver environmental outcomes alongside critical food production, and it is critical that federal settings recognise and align with that reality."
"Ms Ford said AgForce had been leading engagement with governments to secure stronger alignment between federal and state systems, particularly where Queensland's legislative frameworks are already delivering robust, enforceable environmental outcomes."
Ms Ford said while the inquiry was a positive step, it would be critical to ensure it delivers practical outcomes. "This process must be informed by real on-ground experience and lead to outcomes that are workable for producers," she said.
"Importantly, while the inquiry is underway, producers need confidence they can continue to operate and invest without increased uncertainty."
"Regulatory uncertainty doesn't just affect day-to-day operations-it can flow through to investment confidence, land values and the long-term viability of agricultural businesses," she said.
"This inquiry provides an opportunity to properly assess those impacts and ensure settings support both environmental outcomes and a strong, productive agricultural sector."
AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said the focus must remain on supporting active land management and recognising the critical food security and stewardship of agricultural systems.
"Farmers are the long-term stewards of their land. Active management-whether it's grazing, weed and invasive pest control, or other forms land stewardship-are what underpins both productivity and environmental outcomes," Mr McCarthy said.
"Agriculture is not a one-off development-it's a continuous, adaptive system. Policy settings need to reflect that and support practical, timely decision-making on the ground."
AgForce will engage closely with the inquiry and is encouraging producers to contribute their experiences.
