AgForce, the peak body representing Queensland's agricultural producers, today welcomed significant amendments to the State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026. AgForce has affirmed its role as a leading advocate for the interests of Queensland farmers by highlighting the risks posed by the original Bill and working with Government to reshape its impact on landholders. The refined Bill now excludes renewable energy projects and data centres from State Strategic Project powers and preserves protections for strategic cropping land, marking a vital outcome for the future of Queensland's agricultural sector.
"Credit where it's due, the Government has listened to Queensland farmers, and these are meaningful changes - but there is more to be done," said Shane McCarthy, General President, AgForce.
"We came to the table in good faith, we made the case for landowners, and the Government has responded with amendments that matter."
"No farmer should be left out-of-pocket for standing up for their own land. When a project stands to profit, it can carry the cost of the landowner's needs - a family should never have to dip into their own savings or take a loan just to sit at the table they never asked to be at. It isn't fair, it isn't reasonable and we won't stop until it's fixed."
AgForce is committed to further work which is critical to refine practical protections for landowners, such as ensuring proponents meet reasonable professional costs throughout all negotiation stages. Strengthening requirements around negotiation conduct and ensuring access to frameworks are robust is critical to upholding fairness in complex stakeholder consultations.
"Getting compensation right is non-negotiable. A farmer should come through this process whole - not thousands of dollars worse off simply for engaging in good faith on a project they didn't ask for. This is the piece we will keep pushing, and I'm confident we can work it through with Government in the interests of all Queenslanders," said Mr McCarthy.
The amendments usher a meaningful shift for Queensland landowners. Excluding renewable energy and data centre projects from State Strategic Project powers means that local producers retain full autonomy over negotiation with proponents of such projects. The ability for farmers to determine their own terms without heightened state intervention provides essential security for Queensland's most productive lands, ensuring the ongoing protection of agricultural interests amid increasing external pressures.
AgForce also acknowledges the continued safeguarding of the Regional Interests Development Approval (RIDA), a mechanism that gives legislative protection to areas of regional interest, including strategic cropping and prime agricultural land under the Regional Planning Interests Act 2014.
"Preserving the requirement for a RIDA means the rules that protect strategic cropping land and prime agricultural land stay standing. That's a significant outcome for the future of food and fibre production in this state," added Mr McCarthy.
Further, AgForce praised the Government for incorporating new safeguards in the Bill, designed to limit the use of such powers by future administrations. This approach responds to calls for greater certainty across agricultural and rural communities regarding potential Government intervention in land management.
"The Government has shown it's willing to listen, and we'll keep turning up in good faith to get the details right for Queensland farmers," said Mr McCarthy.
"Today, though, the message from the bush is a simple one: Thank you for listening. These amendments make a real difference and Queensland's farming families are better protected because of them."
AgForce reiterates its commitment to constructive engagement with government agencies, Property Rights Australia, Queensland National Farmers' Federation and other stakeholders as legislation evolves and thanks its members for their advocacy on critical issues facing regional Australia.
