Laws a threat to hike prices

THE Liberal National Party has warned that Queensland’s controversial proposed vegetation laws could lead to higher fruit and vegetable prices at the checkout.

The warning comes ahead of a planned rally in Cairns today by the region’s farmers.

LNP deputy leader Tim Mander said the new laws by the state’s Labor government would stop farms expanding and meeting the state’s growing demand for fresh produce.

“Our population is booming but Labor wants to stop new farming in Far North Queensland,” Mr Mander said.

“If farmers can’t grow more fruit and veg to feed our growing cities, produce prices will inevitably go up.”

Agriculture representative groups at both the regional and state level have condemned the vegetation laws for hindering growth.

Growcom chief advocate Rachel Mackenzie said the changes’ impact would be felt in cities as well as rural areas.

“All we are talking about is small parcels of land (maximum 30ha) being cleared to improve production on existing farms and in many cases modify the farm so its overall environmental footprint is reduced,” she said

Mareeba landowner and former soil conservation officer Peter Spies said a balance could be found between preserving agricultural security for farmers and careful environmental management. “It’s not trees that protect the Reef, it is groundcover, for example, pastures,” he said.

“Anyone who cares about agriculture, which is a pillar of our economy, and food security, must attend and show support for our farmers.”

Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association president Joe Moro said he hoped the public hearing and farm rally today would result in a good turnout.

“We hope that the recommendation is not to go ahead because we see it as being a job destroyer and would stop a lot of the growth we’ve experienced at the Tablelands,” he said.