The deadline for submissions for landholders to have a say on the Queensland Government’s proposed changes to vegetation management laws has been extended to Friday 29 April.

AgForce General President Grant Maudsley said the proposed laws would have “devastating consequences” for primary producers in Queensland and their ability to manage vegetation on their land effectively.

“The laws could restrict supply and drive up food prices, stifle regional development and cost jobs, and reverse the onus of proof so farmers are guilty until they prove their innocence,” Mr Maudsley said.

“AgForce has been travelling throughout the state talking to Queenslanders face to face to find out how these vegetation management laws will affect them, and we encourage senior State Government Ministers to do the same.

“AgForce representatives spent a week holding field days and forums across Cape York recently and found this issue has angered and united Traditional Owners and long-time cattle producers in a way that hasn’t happened for years.

“The Agriculture and Environment Committee has been tasked with examining these laws and will soon be visiting regional areas before they report back to Parliament by 30 June.

“It’s important as many individuals as possible explain how the laws will impact them personally so the committee gets a better understanding of the disastrous impact this legislation will have on the agricultural sector.”

Mr Maudsley said AgForce had been concerned about the limited time to make submissions and that the deadline fell on Anzac Day, a public holiday, making today effectively the deadline.

“Extending the deadline for submissions by almost a week is a sensible decision and I urge landholders who are concerned about these laws but are yet to put in a submission to take advantage of this extension of time,” he said.

Source: AgForce. More information about the committee’s inquiry and how to make a submission can be found hhttp://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/AEC/inquiries/current-inquiries/11-VegetationMangtere.