Poorly conceived State Government legislation on issues including farm run-off to the Great Barrier Reef and vegetation management is the spark that has ignited the creation of the AgForce ‘Beef and Reef’ forum taking place in Charters Towers next week according to AgForce CEO Michael Guerin.
Mr Guerin, who is also a key speaker at the event, added however that the forum was about so much more.
“What we’re doing by holding this forum is discussing the future of the agriculture industry in the face of an ever-increasing tide of government regulation and red-tape,” Mr Guerin said.
“The State Government has done a good job of deceiving the general public about the facts when it comes to the environment, and the Great Barrier Reef in particular.
“They’ve painted a picture of agriculture as enemy number one and exaggerated the impact of ag on tree clearing, carbon emissions, soil run-off, and so much more.
“There are a lot of myths floating around out there – they’re not based on science and the solutions put forward by Government won’t do what they suggest they will, despite the rhetoric.
“That’s why it’s now time for us to let the people on the ground, the hardworking producers, know what we as an industry plan to do about it.
In addition to Mr Guerin, the forum, to be held on Friday 21 June, will hear from key industry speakers including National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) CEO Tony Mahar, marine physicist Professor Peter Ridd, Meat and Livestock Australia Managing Director Jason Strong, producer and former chairman of Property Rights Australia Dale Stiller, and Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association CEO Will Evans.
Mr Guerin said the forum had been created by industry for industry and that if producers wanted to learn about what was going on, put themselves in a position to make a difference, and have their voices heard, not only in the regions, but all the way to parliament house, then this was the time and place to do it.
“Other issues we’ll be discussing include the status and future of live export, and the pathway to productive, profitable, sustainable enterprises,” Mr Guerin said.
“But we need to come together to support the industry that clothes and feeds Australia, and many more around the world. We need producers to join us to ensure there’s a prosperous, shared future for us all.”
Registrations can be made at https://bit.ly/beefreef2019
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