Tuesday 29 April 2025
Update from SEQ Director & President, Belinda Callanan and SEQ Regional Manager, Jamie Dennison
Jamie is currently on leave, however the wheels keep turning in SEQ. Mice numbers are on the increase, with reports of moderate to high numbers on the Downs and growers are urged to monitor and undertake necessary control measures and log mouse numbers. Logging can be done of mice activity via MouseAlert. For further information about the current season, visit GRDC.
Nominations are called for the vacant councillor positions on SEQ Council. The nominations for these positions close 29 April at 5pm. Nominations forms can be found here and further information about the Councillor role can be found here.
The latest land valuations are also out, and unfortunately the current government cannot change the Act until a new resolution is put forward. AgForce has been asked to help produce this, so in the meantime please look at the link https://youtu.be/RDISfH4Go0E for more information from AgForce’s Land Valuation Consultant John Moore. If you don’t have internet access, call 1300 664 217 to request an objection kit. Objections must be lodged by 26 May 2025.
- Brisbane:12%
- Logan: 10.6%
- Scenic Rim: 15%
- South Burnett: 40%
- Southern Downs: 29%
- Toowoomba: 42%
For more information, please contact John Moore- Rural Property Valuer – 0428996617.
To our new and returning members of the SEQ AgForce family—welcome! Your support is invaluable in helping us advocate for Queensland’s agricultural businesses. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Belinda or myself—whether you need assistance or just a chat!
There are a number of upcoming AgForce events in May, see events listed below.
Until next week.
Meet Your Commodity Policy Team
Each week, we’ll introduce you to a dedicated member of our policy team—passionate professionals working behind the scenes to secure real results for Southeast Queensland and beyond. These individuals advocate for your interests, tackling key industry issues and ensuring the voices of our producers are heard.
The spotlight this week is on Anna Fisbek.
Anna is the policy advisor for the Land Use Protection Committee, Vegetation Management Committee and Land Tenure Working Group. Anna has been with AgForce for just under two years and work remotely from her partner’s cattle property near Taroom, which allows her to also work casually on the family property. Prior to joining AgForce, Anna worked as a solicitor in insurance litigation, which has helped her navigate through the many pieces of legislation that govern her work at AgForce.
Land Use Protection:
The Land Use Protection Committee is working on issues such as CSG-induced subsidence, lack of compliance with mining and issues with renewable energy projects for host landholders and neighbours. The Committee sees that issues facing neighbouring landholders to renewable projects requires particular attention as neighbours have not been afforded much consideration in the renewables space so far. CSG-induced subsidence is a continuing issue for the Committee and the Committee is looking to continue discussions with the new Government on the issue moving forward.
Vegetation Management:
The Vegetation Management Committee is working on issues such as encroachment, thinning, Area Management Plans and re-implementing a similar framework to the previous High Value Agriculture framework to allow development for dryland and irrigated cropping. The regional ecosystems that underpin the vegetation management maps are causing significant problems in the vegetation management space, particularly where they have been incorrectly labelled. The Vegetation Management Committee is also looking to change the definitions of firebreaks and essential infrastructure under the Vegetation Management Act to afford landholders better mitigation strategies to prepare for fires. The Chair of the Vegetation Management Committee, Grant Maudsley, and Anna have met with the new Government to bring these issues to their attention and will continue to meet regularly with the Minister for Resources and Minister for Environment.
Land Tenure:
The main focus of the Land Tenure Working Group is to try and work out a pathway with the State Government to allow the conversion of Term Leases to Freehold title in the face of Native Title. The Chair of the Land Tenure Working Group, Grant Maudsley, and Anna have met with the new Government to start discussions with this work.
Stay tuned each week to meet more of the passionate individuals driving positive change for Queensland’s producers!
Share Your Toyota Story – and win an AFL Experience Like No Other!
Toyota is proud to partner with AgForce – and to celebrate this unique relationship, we're giving members the chance to win an unforgettable AFL experience through an exclusive photography competition!
🏆 What you could win:
• Return flights and accommodation
• Two tickets to the Toyota Fleet Corporate Box at the MCG
• Round 14 AFL game: Essendon vs Geelong, Saturday 14 June 2025
📸 How to enter:
Send us a photo that shows how Toyota fits into your day-to-day life on the land – plus a creative caption – to media@agforceqld.org.au along with your name and AgForce membership number.
✨ Want to send more than one entry? Go for it!
🗓 Entries close: Wednesday 30 April 2025
🏅 Winner announced: Wednesday 7 May 2025
AgriEmerging Markets Program
EOIs are open for the AgriEmerging Markets Program, delivered by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) and proudly supported by Shell QGC.
This program is designed to support agribusinesses in navigating sustainable supply chains, identifying market opportunities, and developing products for long-term growth.
EOIs close 13 May 2025
To be eligible, agribusinesses must be based in the Western Downs or nearby surrounds, with at least 70% of your business operations located in the region.
What’s in it for your business?
• Tailored workshops on emerging industry trends & sustainability
• Access to industry experts & key supply chain networks
• Complimentary TSBE Food Leaders Australia membership (2 years)
• Outbound Study Tour to Germany, including Agritechnica – the world’s leading ag-tech expo
This program is ideal for agribusinesses looking to adapt, grow, and gain a competitive edge in an evolving agri-food landscape.
If you’re ready to take the next step, submit your EOI or reach out for more info.
Member Engagement: Bringing Grassroots Back
Your voice matters. As a valued member, your insights shape the future of our region. We want to hear from you—what challenges are you facing, and what concerns lie ahead?
From wild dogs and feral pigs to vegetation management, renewables, fire control, and other pressing local issues, your experiences are vital. By sharing your thoughts, you help us design member-led workshops that tackle real challenges affecting your business and community.
Let’s work together to create practical solutions that drive lasting change across Southeast Queensland. 📩 Share your thoughts: dennisonj@agforceqld.org.au
Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient future.
Southeast Qld Events
🌟 Vege, Mapping and Fire 🌟 – Workshops confirmed for May 2025
Eidsvold – 20th, Biggenden – 21st Kingaroy – 22nd, they will run from 10am until 2.30pm and smoko and lunch provided, we have now locked in all locations and venues, we have Government, RFS and AgForce presenting at all three workshops. As a member you will receive an updated property map on the day.
🌟 FarmFest 2025 – Its Happening! 🌟
FarmFest 2025, this will be one of our best yet! We've secured our site ASI|38-39, we're excited to announce it will be an indoor site, offering a comfortable and engaging space for visitors, all AgForce commodities will be represented along with General President and CEO to meet and answer any questions.
🌟 Carbon & your Ag Business 🌟
- Carbon & your Ag Business - What does carbon mean for you? Toowoomba – FarmFest Elders site G/H 26-28 – June 4th
- AgCarE – FarmFest Elders site G/H 26-28 – June 3rd. What Is Natural Capital? Learn How to Unlock its Value!
🌟 SEQ Biosecurity Forum 🌟
Coming soon in September 2025 – details will be released very soon
Stay tuned to the SEQ newsletter for an update.
🌟 Stay tuned for further updates on the “Let’s Connect Members Days” BBQ and Beers Starting August. 🌟
Let’s Make the Southeast Strong Again
| Regional Manager: | Jamie Dennison | dennisonj@agforceqld.org.au | 0427 144 298 |
| Regional Director: | Belinda Callanan | SEQDirector@agforceqld.org.au | |
| Regional President: | Belinda Callanan | ||
| Regional Councillors: | Graham Park - Rebecca Lindert | ||
