Tuesday 20 May 2025
Update from SEQ Director & President, Belinda Callanan and SEQ Regional Manager, Jamie Dennison
G’day everyone, after 4 weeks away in Europe engaging in all things Italian, I am back on deck and firing, firstly I would like to thank Belinda and Elle Rands (SIQ Regional Manager) for all their efforts in keeping SEQ running while I was away. While I was away I got to use the train infrastructure within Italy, and thought what a great system, we went 165km in 37minutes via fast train, I thought how good would this be if our politicians could actually produce this sort of infrastructure, and as I went around many regions they still use 3g, again got me thinking while having another refreshment.
I along with Elle Rands (SIQ) this week presented to the regional council of mayors both our plans on what we are producing for our regions and to have the councils involved, we presented on the key policies that AgForce are working on over the next two years, we were received very well with an invitation for the August meeting in Dalby.
This week we have the Vege,Fire and Mapping workshops at Eidsvold, Biggenden and Kingaroy, still time to register so click onto the links in the events section of the newsletter. As we role into the next few months planning continues for workshops from August -November and then Christmas event time! Yes! Christmas!
Contact Belinda on 0427128684 or SEQDirector@agforceqld.org.au
Contact Jamie on 0427144298 or dennisonj@agforceqld.org.au
This week’s Members questions!
Agforce update on General Policy and Advocacy 2025
AgForce works closely with government, stakeholders and industry to achieve positive policy outcomes for our members, e.g., the relationship we have with the National Farmers Federation, who assist progress our state matter on the national platform. The list of policy and advocacy matters on the go for our team, and I are too many to list here, however, here are some highlights:
At the national level,
- Unrealised gains of Farm Assets in Super: AgForce was the first to raise the issue and advocated for halting a tax on unrealised gains of farm assets within SMSF, this has not gone away yet.
- National Food security, in 2022, AgForce embarked on a food security policy and advocacy focus, in attempts to reprioritise the needs of the Agricultural Sector. A review into the sector resulted in the Food Security Report (2023), and 35 recommendations, but stop short of a “food security act”, much to my dissatisfaction.
- However, in 2023 the House of Representatives Standing Committee produced an Agriculture report (and subsequent reports), Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au).
- And in 2025, the National Food security preparedness– Green Paper; and 14 recommendations, inclusive for the Ag sector and Minister be elevated to the same level of decision making as department of defence, and full member of the National Security Committee of federal cabinet.
- Competition Policy reform and revitalisation agenda, which saw, Federal, State and Territory Treasurers agreed to sign the 10-year Intergovernmental Agreement on National Competition Policy, with a focus on productivity improvements. And new food and grocery code of conduct.
- Right to repair farm machinery, by local operators.
At the state level,
- AgForce is participate in the states ‘feedstock study’, of which AgForce was instrumental in calling for a national feedstock strategy. This study will assist the government determine available feedstock supply to support a national liquid fuel market.
- AgForce continued Participation in the Burdekin Regional Water Assessment & Water Plan Reviews
- AgForce has provided feedback toward the state’s states Agricultural 25-year blueprint, with target set to increase the value of the industry to $30 billion by 2030.
These updates occur on multiple platforms, in an effort to keep members informed of work undertaken collectively on farmers behalf, and through those farmers who volunteer their time, in effort to promote policy and advocacy agenda of local communities. For further information or full list of policy and advocacy work or to volunteer, please contact Jamie your regional manager.
Corporate Spotlight: A focus on our corporate partners and the benefit to our members
Olsson Industries supports graziers by providing educational resources, expert advice, and practical environmental practices. AgForce members can receive a complimentary analysis of your current supplementation program to identify opportunities for improvement in feed efficiency, reducing input costs, enhancing animal health, and increasing profitability. If you have any further questions about the Olsson Industries supplement program review or require any other assistance, feel free to ask! Call Olsson on 1800 804 096 or email.
Member benefit: Member benefit: Request a free review of your current supplementation program.
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
🌟 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, warm and engaging space for visitors, all AgForce commodities will be represented along with members of the SEQ Council, AgForce General President and CEO. AgForce electeds and staff will be on hand to discuss your issues.
🌟 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!
- AgCarE Natural Capital Toowoomba Tickets, Tue, Jun 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
🌟 Veg, Mapping and Fire Workshops 🌟
The veg, fire and mapping workshops will be conducted in Eidsvold – 20th May , Biggenden – 21st May Kingaroy – 22nd May, they will run from 10am until 2.30pm with morning tea and lunch provided (please remember when registering to let Jamie know if you have any dietary requirements), we have Government Agency staff, Rural Fire Service and AgForce presenting at all three workshops. As a member you will receive an updated property map on the day.
Registration Links Here:
Eidsvold 20th May - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/agforce-seq-veg-fire-and-mapping-what-you-need-to-know-eidsvold-tickets-1329171320199?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Biggenden 21st May - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/agforce-seq-veg-fire-and-mapping-what-you-need-to-know-biggenden-tickets-1329201841489?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Kingaroy 22nd May - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/agforce-seq-veg-fire-and-mapping-what-you-need-to-know-kingaroy-tickets-1329208992879?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
🌟 Accelerate Ag Expo 🌟
We would like to extend an official invitation to attend the Accelerate Ag Expo on May 27th at TAFE Queensland Toowoomba from 3pm-6pm. This exciting career expo aims to connect secondary students with industry professionals and educational providers to showcase the diverse opportunities across the Agriculture Industry in Queensland.
Why should you attend? —The Accelerate Ag Expo is a chance to shape the future of agriculture by inspiring the next generation of professionals. You will be able to connect with young, motivated students, introduce them to your area of expertise, and promote the exciting, diverse career pathways that agriculture has to offer.
How to be involved?
• Register for a free trade site before the 9th of May via an email or through the Eventbrite link below.
• Share the event on social media and invite fellow industry professionals to attend and participate.
• Attend the event and showcase what your sector has to offer!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/accelerate-ag-expo-tickets-1324729013139?aff=oddtdtcreator
We hope you’ll join us in making this event a success and support students in discovering all that agriculture has to offer.
🌟 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 | ||
