Local farmers are calling for an independent inquiry into layers of red and green tape which they say are harming productivity.
Bundaberg Ag-Food & Fibre Alliance Ltd (BAFFA) is running a Check the Science campaign calling for a Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) review.
The prospective probe would look carefully at the science behind major policy decisions, which it says are devastating the State’s core primary industries of farming, fisheries and forestry.
BAFFA Secretary Tanya Howard said environmental regulation of the industry was accepted as important and necessary, but they’re seeking to ensure scientific assumptions underpinning regulations are supported.
“The QPC is ideally positioned to undertake checking of the science underpinning layers of red and green tape that are causing significant time and financial burdens,” Ms Howard said.
BAFFA sought local government support through the Bundaberg Regional Council’s Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee, which was established following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
“Farmers are committed stewards of the land and abide by regulations put in place to protect the environment,” Ms Howard, who is also Manager of Bundaberg Canegrowers, said.
“But they need to know the regulations are based on proven science which has been independently checked.
“Farmers constantly face major hurdles in putting food and drink on tables right across Australia.
“The layers of red and green tape are devastating to primary producers across our region and statewide and are costing them huge amounts of time and money.”
