2005/2006 2004/2005 2003/2004 2002/2003 2001/2002 2000/2001 Return to About Us AgForce Achievements 2004/2005   General policy   Drought Hard fought lobbying by AgForce helped secure the increased drought assistance package announced by the Federal Government in May. The $254 million package includes a review of those areas which have had Exceptional Circumstances (EC) revoked this year. This includes Southern South East, Stanthorpe/Inglewood, Western Downs/Maranoa and the Central Coast. This package also included a doubling of the off-farm assets test to $440,000; a rise in interest rate subsidies from 50 to 80 per cent for those producers receiving their second or third year of EC assistance; plus an increase in the off-farm income test from $32,000 to $42,000 a year. Strongly lobbied for EC drought assistance to be extended for another 12 months in the south west of the state and in the Burnett region. Preparing to submit additional EC applications to cover those areas which have been revoked. Thousands of Queensland producers have been receiving EC assistance of up to $620 a fortnight and interest rate subsidies of up to 50 per cent of their lending capacity since June 2003, thanks for AgForce’s 13 successful EC submissions o the Federal Government which covers more than half of the state. Financial Counselling Service Helped more than 500 farmers face-to-face with free financial and banking advice, plus assistance with applying for drought assistance at state and federal levels. Three full-time counsellors are currently working across Queensland. Since February this year, the service has also taken more than 600 phone enquiries from producers. Valuations Achieved a major breakthrough in the controversial valuations debate in May. A pivotal six week AgForce campaign to encourage all landholders – through public meetings, the media and internal correspondence – to ledge objections against valuation rises of up to 500 per cent in some areas resulted in the State Government agreeing to a series of negotiations which are currently underway. Industrial Relations Reforms Strong lobbying, through the NFF, resulted in major industrial relations reforms announced by the Federal Government in May. These reforms directly benefit our employer members by simplifying agreement making awards, reducing the number of award allowable matters, the establishment of a specialist Fair pay Commission, and the small business exemption from unfair dismissal laws and redundancy payments. This all contributes to a much-needed reprieve for Queensland farmers operating under federal awards. Blueprint for the Bush Secured a unique partnership with the State Government to develop a Blueprint for the Bush. AgForce’s bold long term strategy to develop a Blueprint – designed to help make rural communities vibrant, thriving and prosperous for future generations – was outlined at a special open forum in Charleville in February. More than 600 producers flocked to the event, which was held just hours before community cabinet. AgForce has already embarked on a major statewide tour of 22 meetings to gain input from members on what they believe the blueprint should include. AgForward Project Launched the Australian first $8 million AgForward project. An initiative of AgForce, AgForward offers producers the tools to secure their futures in the ‘clean and green’ demands of global markets. The project will provide producers with the technology and skills to fine-tune their operations. This includes templates for comprehensive property plans to meet regulations, data for making decisions and documenting environmental and safety processes. The project gives Queensland producers an edge and personifies 21st century farming. It is one of the most significant project ever spearheaded by AgForce and unites rural groups and the Queensland Government in a unique partnership. Western Hardwoods Commitment Secured a commitment that grazing leases in the Western Hardwoods area will not be jeopardised in this term of the Beattie Government.  AgForce will continue to work hard on behalf of members to ensure the continuation of grazing leases in this area. Boarding School Allowance Increase Together with the ICPA, AgForce strongly lobbied for and achieved an increase in the basic boarding school allowance of $1500. The allowance of $4446 rose to $6000 as of January 1, 2005 for each student. Meanwhile an increase in the Distance Education Allowance to $3000 was also secured. 1080 WIN Strong lobbying by AgForce resulted in a Federal Government draft report recommending that 1080 be reaffirmed for use in pest animal control, following concerns of its impact on non-target animals. AgForests AgForce, in conjunction with Timber Queensland, have developed the special AgForests project to better manage timber production on private property to secure future timber reserves for the timber industry and profits for landholders. Vegetation Management Legislation Strong lobbying secured of Property Map of Assessable Vegetation into legislation that will deliver security over regrowth for landholders in years to come. Strongly fought for and secured the inclusion of an independent review tribunal for those landholders who are concerns with departmental decision relating to vegetation management. Petroleum and Gas Strong lobbying resulted in better compensation for Queensland landholders affected by petroleum and gas production on their properties. The new Petroleum and Gas Act requires the holder of each petroleum authority to compensate each owner or occupier of land for any reasonable effects which occur. Native Title AgForce is representing over 1600 pastoralists in 88 Native Title claims throughout Queensland. AgForce will also have input if there is a Federal Government review of the Native Title Act and the national Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Training Successfully lobbied for stage 3 of Farmbis funding to be introduced which will provide producers with $12 million subsides for courses they undertake. In the past 12 months more than 500 producers have completed AgForce’s Certificate III level SMARTtrain chemical accreditation either through evidence based assessments or workshops. Developed a three-stage approach to rural safety to help producers overcome Workplace Health and Safety issues and implement onfarm plans. Developed an evidence based correspondence program for rural safety which provided producers with the flexibility to complete the program in the comfort of their own home. Launched the national first ClimED program which is now available to producers to aid in climate risk management. Events Organised a highly successful state conference in Townville with 400 delegates attending from across Queensland. More than 250,000 urban consumers flocked to AgForce’s highly innovative MEATing Centre at the Ekka. The red meat promotion aims to provide positive images of agriculture to metropolitan audiences and encourage urban dwellers to eat more red meat and grains based products. Education In the past 12 months, AgForce’s ongoing commitment to encouraging students to take up a career in agriculture has reached more than 10,000 students and more than 500 teachers in hundreds of school across metropolitan and regional Queensland. Though special careers expos at the Brisbane Convention Centre to month long tours throughout rural Queensland, to the Rural Discovery day during Primary Industries Week and the Food and Fibre Trail at the Ekka, AgForce is continuing its commitments to not only promoting the positives of agriculture to student, but also the easy transition from school to training to work in the agricultural sector. AgForce Grains   Worked with Plant Health Australia to develop the emergency plant pest cost sharing agreement between the grains industry and the Federal and State governments. The agreement stipulates responsibilities in the event of an emergency plant pest incursion. Previously if an outbreak occurred there was nothing in place to determine who would have to pay to combat the outbreak. Achieved a reduction in excess supply chain costs for growers following the AWB Limited and GrainCorp joint venture covering the transport and logistics of export grain. Protected Queensland growers’ rights in the governments’ national security review of fertiliser misuse. The new regulations were confined to Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate only and not more common forms of nitrogen fertilisers including urea. Thanks to strong lobbying moves to ban or regulate nitrogen fertilisers were quashed. Actively pursued outstanding Iraq debt to grain growers stipulating that if any outstanding money owing to Australia was recovered that it be distributed among Australian grain producers. Through the Grains Council of Australia (GCA) achieved a government in principle commitment of $20 million to establish a grain processing and grain-based food technical and education facility following any international agreement to forgive Iraqi debt. Solved many localised transport issues impacting on members going about their farming businesses including b-double and road train access to the Brookstead GrainCorp depot. Defended the views of Queensland grain growers in the 2004 wheat marketing review of AWB Internationals use of the Single Desk provisions. Strongly supported and continuing to assist the development of a grain based Ethanol industry in Queensland creating new demand for grains currently grown. Defended members’ rights in relation to End-Point Royalty legislation and instigated and on-going review of the End-Point Royalty system and funding for future plant breeding Strongly lobbied for and achieved a saving in storage and handling for sorghum of up to $3.25 per tonne for growers following the merger of Grainco and GrainCorp. Through the GCA defended Australia’s reputation regarding grain quality when Pakistan claimed that a shipment of Australian wheat was contaminated by Karnal Bunt. Continued to build on the success of the Innovation in Grains awards, establishing it as a premier function and celebration of the grains industry. Increasing attendance from 180 to 230. With the GCA delivered the Single Vision strategy for the Grains industry for the first five years during Grains Week in Brisbane in April. The Single Vision plan ultimately will lead to an improved future profitability and sustainability for the grains industry.  Reacted to grain merchants suggestion that Sorghum prices would fall below $100 / tonne and successfully encouraged producers through Presidents comments and “Around the Traps” to hold grain in storage and request a more equitable grain price.   AgForce Cattle   Successfully lobbied for a two year ‘phase-in’ period for Queensland producers during the implementation stage of the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS). This phase-in means producers will not have to pay for NLIS devices for cattle meeting the phase-in criteria and therefore saving farmers countless dollars. Together with the Queensland NLIS implementation committee, AgForce Cattle strongly fought for and gained on behalf of producers NLIS exemptions for bulls over two years of age, bobby calves and sporting events for the first 12 months. Producers will not have to pay for devices in these categories for at least a year. Held more than 80 NLIS compliance workshops, inconjunction with DPI and MLA, across the state under the guidance of AgForce’s NLIS implementation and information officer Anna Keetels. More than 4500 producers have flocked to the free workshops to learn first hand how to become compliant. Workshops are continuing across Queensland. AgForce Cattle together with Cattle Council of Australia successfully lobbied for $20 million in NLIS funding from the Federal Government. Strengthened relationships with the Queensland Stock Squad and supported the formation of local stock squad liaison groups and communication between communities and the stock squad. Co-ordinated the Red Meat Awards at the MEATing Centre during the Brisbane Exhibition showcasing excellence in the Queensland red meat industry. Co-hosted the Beef Industry Funding – Cattle Transaction Levy forums across Queensland in May/June 2005. The forums provided Queensland cattle producers with the opportunity to hear the Beef Industry Funding Steering Committee Case for an increase in the CTL for the future industry beef marketing and promotion programs.   AgForce Sheep & Wool   Secured a major breakthrough in the war against wild dogs which costs Queensland livestock producers more than $18 million a year through predation. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AgForce, the State and Local Governments at the Charleville Community Cabinet meeting in February will bring effective wild dog control a step closer. Under the MOU all stakeholders are responsible to the control of wild dogs. Closely involved in the development of the Leading Sheep program which aims to reduce predation, increase reproduction rates, increase the value of wool and meat, bring about more effective parasite control and improved resource management. AgForce Sheep & Wool is one of key stakeholders in this program together with AWI and DPI. Heavily involved in the AWI led legal fight against the People of the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to restrain them from threatening clothing retailers and applying pressure on them to impose a boycott on Australian wool. AgForce Sheep & Wool do not believe retailers, exporters, processors or anyone involved in the wool pipeline should be challenged by threats and intimidation. The legal action is part of a global strategy to protect Australian Merino wool and its domestic and global markets. Working closely with DPI&F to ensure that Queensland’s National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is appropriate and easy to implement for our producers come January 1, 2006. Sheep NLIS is designed to underpin the integrity of the Australian lamb and sheepmeat markets and AgForce is working hard to ensure the system developed for Queensland is compatible with other state systems considering the majority of Queensland sheep are traded interstate. Co-hosted the highly successful Queensland Sheep & Wool Innovation Forum in Blackall.  The forum saw the launch of the Leading Sheep project, wild dog discussions and showcased the latest industry technologies and quality Queensland genetics. AgForce Sheep & Wool has spoken to thousands of Brisbane primary school children about the wool and sheepmeat production.  Students were provided with information about where food and fibre comes from and the important role producers play in their everyday lives. AgForce Sheep & Wool has continued to maintain a close working relationship with WoolProducers, the Sheepmeat Council of Australia and the Goat Industry Council of Australian across a range of national industry issues.