11 August 2026
AgForce says the farmers guide released this week by the National Environment Protection Agency (EPA) does not adequately address serious concerns about routine farm practices raised by primary producers.
The peak body has been engaging with the federal government since November last year over changes to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said the guide fails to provide the clarity on producers’ responsibilities the organisation had hoped for.
“We welcome the National EPA’s recognition that farmers are some of the nation’s most committed environmental stewards,” he said.
“This guide needs further improvement to give farmers confidence to move forward with routine activities like fencing, pest management, maintaining firebreaks and weed control without fear of breaching compliance standards.
"As it stands, the guide fails to provide a clear pathway for primary producers to get on with the essential work required to maintain their properties and produce the food and fibre that feeds our nation and fuels our export markets.
“We still don’t have the certainty we need on how the legislation will be interpreted and implemented.
“We can’t agree to reforms that negatively impact our land management and impinge on food security.”
AgForce CEO Niki Ford said the organisation also remained concerned about the level of paperwork required under the Act, new requirements in Great Barrier Reef catchment areas and the risk farmers will be forced into over-compliance.
“This guide is an opportunity to outline exactly what farmers can and can’t do under the legislation; the current iteration doesn’t do that.," she said.
“There is still no clarity around long term vegetation management, particularly the 15-year rule.
"In addition, the regulatory environment in Queensland is made more complex by Great Barrier Reef catchment area requirements under the EPBC Act.
"Under the current interpretation, the EPA currently recommends a referral for the ongoing management of vegetation within 50 metres of any defined drainage feature, wetland or watercourse within the Reef.
“As a result, the administrative burden associated with an EPBC referral risk discourages beneficial works that would reduce sediment runoff."
Ms Ford said AgForce would continue to advocate for its members to improve the guide.
“It is vitally important that the EPA has a process to transparently receive direct feedback from farmers around their concerns, and we need all primary producers to review the guide and provide that to the EPA during the three-month review process,” she said.
“As we have said throughout this process, AgForce remains committed to working constructively with the National EPA to achieve positive outcomes for the environment, it's imperative that the agricultural sector remains productive, profitable and sustainable.”