Farm groups have launched an online petition against the State Government’s tightening of regulations on agriculture in Great Barrier Reef catchments.

“Farmers take their environmental responsibilities seriously,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri said. “But the raft of provisions in the Bill that’s before parliament dismisses all of the voluntary and valuable work for improved reef water quality underway across Queensland’s agricultural industries.

“The #RejectTheRegs petition will give farmers, their communities and everyone who supports agriculture a vital voice because the Queensland Government is refusing to hear us.

“The Parliamentary Committee’s review of the Bill has not taken the opportunity to listen to anyone outside of Brisbane – it has not travelled beyond Parliament House.

“I urge every cane grower, every farmer, in Queensland to sign this petition and encourage your family and everyone you know to sign it also.”

The impact of Environmental Protection (Great Barrier Reef Protection Measures) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill will be far-reaching.

“If passed, the government will have the big brother power to demand data on farm business transactions and any advice given to farmers,” Mr Schembri said.

“We don’t need this sort of interference in the day to day decisions of Queensland farms and regional businesses.

“We already work under a raft of rules and regulations and passing this Bill will leave us at risk of the regulatory goal posts being shifted in any way at any time with no regard to the impact of the changes or any mechanism for review and appeal.

“This is an unacceptable way to treat a valuable Queensland industry and we will make sure our voices are heard.”

The petition can be signed here https://farmers.org.au/campaign/rejecttheregs/