The release of the Bligh Government’s strategic cropping land policy framework is a step in the right direction but does it achieve its objective and protect prime agricultural land?

'Wildlife Queensland commends the Bligh Government for at least addressing this major challenge but the outcome at this stage is disappointing' said Des Boyland, Wildlife Queensland spokesperson. 'It appears the Government has listened in part to peoples concerns but has not addressed all the major issues'.

Prime agricultural land is a limited, finite resource occupying slightly in excess of 2% of Queensland and must be conserved and managed for future generations.

'Land designated for urban growth will be exempt from this framework as will infrastructure that provides significant community benefits' said Des Boyland. 'Surely alternative locations must be considered other than prime agricultural land'.

Developments such as coal seam gas, mining and forestry will be considered provided it does not cause permanent damage to the valuable prime agricultural land. 'This is too great a risk to take' stated Des Boyland.

The new legislation scheduled to be introduced in early 2011 is to provide processes of how the cropping lands are to be identified. Maps will be prepared. Wildlife Queensland is concerned that the new legislation will not deliver the certainty and clarity promised.

'Fortunately the framework is open for further comment. Considerably more work is required if the concerns and questions of Wildlife Queensland and the broader community are to be adequately addressed' said Des Boyland.  

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email.