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Federal Environmental Reforms (EPBC Act): Impacts, Timelines and AgForce’s Response

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26 November 2025. updated 28 November 2025.

Federal Environmental Reforms: Impacts, Timelines and AgForce’s Response

The Federal Parliament has progressed the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, including amendments relating to vegetation management, clearing thresholds and “continuing use” exemptions in the Environment Protections and Biodiversity Conversation Act 1999. The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent this week, meaning some provisions may take effect from the day after, with others implemented progressively through Commonwealth–State bilateral agreements during March–April 2026 or sooner if negotiated earlier.

Given the speed and uncertainty surrounding these reforms, AgForce is providing a factual update on what may affect Queensland producers.

Key Amendments Introduced This Week

  1. Reef Catchment Clearing Restrictions
    A new clause removes “continuing use” exemptions when clearing vegetation within 50 metres of a watercourse, wetland or drainage line within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, defined by a 2018, 1:100,000 dataset held by the Queensland Government. This may override certain Queensland exemptions for routine activities.
  2. The 15-Year Rule
    Land that has not been cleared for at least 15 years may require federal assessment and approval if clearing may significantly affect a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES). Forestry operations are excluded, but grazing, cane, cropping and mixed-farming systems are not.

MNES – What This Means
MNES are the nationally protected species, habitats and places that activate federal oversight of land management. They include threatened species, ecological communities, migratory species, wetlands of international importance, national parks, world heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and certain water resources. Given the prevalence of MNES across Queensland landscapes, many properties may be captured unless bilateral agreements provide clear safeguards.

What This May Mean for Producers

Operational guidelines have not yet been released, but under current drafting:

  • Land not cleared for 15 years may require federal assessment if MNES are relevant.
  • Routine activities within 50 metres of Reef catchment waterways may lose exemptions.
  • Category X land and PMAV rights may face duplication or override unless protected through bilateral agreements.
  • Producers may be expected to demonstrate MNES avoidance even for routine management such as fencing, regrowth control, firebreaks or pasture renovation.

We emphasise may, as these rules are still being negotiated.

AgForce Advocacy: Completed and Ongoing Submissions
AgForce has:

  • Provided a Submission on the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, focused on protecting “continuing use”, PMAVs and Queensland’s vegetation management system.
  • Evidence to the Senate Committee on 14 November, highlighting risks of retrospective regulation and uncertainty for producers.
  • Ongoing engagement and meeting with the federal and state Agriculture, Environment and Resources Portfolios

AgForce are now preparing:

  • Submission on proposed Matters of National Environmental Significance Standard.
  • Submission on proposed Offset Standard.
  • Submission to QLD Bioregional Planning Pilot
  • A formal request and engagement plan for Queensland to defend PMAVs and the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999 in bilateral negotiations.
  • A suite of producer case studies demonstrating practical consequences of the Bill drafting.

We Need Case Studies from Members
To ensure your experiences shape national policy outcomes, AgForce is collecting confidential examples of how these reforms may affect your operations. If you have a relevant case such as MNES mapping issues, regrowth complexities, PMAV concerns or

Reef catchment constraints, please email: fiskbeka@agforceqld.org.au or petterssonj@agforceqld.org.au. All information will be treated confidentially.

AgForce’s Position
AgForce continues to advocate that agriculture must NOT be treated the same as the mining sector, that “continuing use” must be protected in federal law, that PMAVs (especially Category X classifications) and Queensland’s vegetation management framework must be upheld, that inaccurate mapping must NOT determine compliance and that reforms must be practical, affordable and workable for family operations.

AgForce will continue to advocate at every level of government to ensure these reforms remain workable, grounded in evidence and aligned with the long-standing rights of Queensland producers. AgForce will continue to update members as further details emerge.

Further links and Information

To understand what MNES or mapped features may exist on your property:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) - DCCEEW

Recent AgForce Media Releases

Recent Industry Updates

Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and six adjoining bills links

 

Keywords: Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and the six adjoining Bills which is seeks to amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999
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