13 November 2026. By Ken Syme, AgForce Southern Inland Queensland Regional President.
Before I start, I would like for all of us to take a moment to reflect on the very sudden and tragic loss of Ian and Hannah Cambell in September. Our condolences and well wishes go to Jane and Tilly from everyone at Southern Inland Queensland (SIQ) Regional Council, AgForce and the broader region.
What a turn around the rain was across SIQ, especially the southern part of the region. How quickly it changed our outlook when we were looking at green grass again after being drought declared by the State Government at the end of June.
The EPBC Roadshows through SIQ were a huge success, run by AgForce and very well attended with Australian Government Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff from Canberra and Brisbane in attendance. These EPBC roadshows put on by AgForce highlight the need to address national issues, even though we are a state organisation for the benefit of our members.
Another cattle tick outbreak in clean country has highlighted once again the need for greater State Government biosecurity funding and responsibility. The reforms announced following the Taroom review must now be properly resourced and delivered, because the integrity of the tick-free zone depends on it.
This is my last time writing as Regional President of SIQ as I step down at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) this month. We are still looking for two new Regional Councillors. This is a great opportunity to not only contribute to our industry but also to help shape our future. There will be another round of elections after the AGM this month.
