Minister pledges farmer support

THE Federal Environment Minister has pledged to support farmers locked in a dispute with the State Government ahead of controversial increased on-farm Reef protection regulation .

Visiting Mark Savina’s Redlynch Valley cane farm on Monday, Sussan Ley met growers and cane industry leaders who she said “care for the Reef through progressive agricultural systems”.

“The Reef’s story starts on farms, not out on the water,” she said.

“We want to work with farmers, we want to bring farmer with us. We don’t expect farmers to do this on their own.”

Innisfail Canegrowers chairman Joe Marano said proposed changes to the Reef Protection Bill were discussed with Ms Ley.

Canegrowers recently launched a television advertising campaign calling on Brisbane to scrap increased regulation they said is unfair, invasive and unnecessary.

“She understood when we were saying it’s not the right answer. But all these programs need to continue because they support the growers,” he said.

“You have got to (make changes) by collaborating with the industry not dictating to the industry.”

Mr Marano said there was no indication made by Ms Ley the Federal Government would step in on behalf of farmers to force the hand of the state and repeal proposed changes to the Reef Protection Bill.

“I think that one is best left alone and we have got measures in place to try and get the State Government to the table,” he said.