The Newman Government has today announced it is well on track to addressing one of the most important issues facing farmers and graziers across Queensland – security of land tenure.
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett is pleased to see important changes to leasehold land renewals. These changes show that the Newman Government is committed to setting clear pathways for farmers and graziers to upgrade from leasehold to freehold land.
“After decades of being ignored by Labor, rural landholders have a government that is prepared to introduce landmark reforms that create a clearer future for Queensland agribusinesses and the families that run them,” said Mr Bennett.
“My government has listened to farm lobby groups such as AgForce and the Queensland Farmers Federation when they tell us that improved security of tenure gives primary producers the confidence to invest in their properties and delivers greater negotiating power with their banks.”
“Today the Premier announced that almost 3000 rural producers across Queensland will soon be able to automatically renew their ‘term’ leases, rather than facing uncertainty every time their lease is due for renewal.
“Under these important changes rural lessees will enjoy 60-years of “rolling” tenure, allowing them to make long term investment decisions that will help meet Queensland’s target of doubling agricultural production by 2040.
“Further, the State Government is committed to identifying suitable pathways for rural lessees who may be interested in upgrading their perpetual and term leases to freehold tenure.
“We understand that for some landholders, the opportunity to upgrade the most secure form of tenure is important, and our government will continue to work with rural lobby groups on developing options for that to occur.”
Further detail on the government’s plan to boost security of rural land tenure is contained in the State Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the future and continued relevance of government land tenure across Queensland report, considered by State Cabinet today.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said the report builds on significant changes already made by the Newman government to streamline the lease renewal process.
“We have already removed page after page of unnecessary paperwork enforced by the previous Labor government when primary producers sought to renew their long-term leases,” Mr Seeney said.
“Our approach to land tenure is in stark contrast to Labor’s fixation with applying layer upon layer of green tape on rural businesses.
“We will boost rather than stifle investment certainty in the Bush, and today’s announcements take the first important step to reform Queensland’s land tenure system.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said his Department will continue to work hard, in consultation with industry, to progress the detail of today’s announcements.
“Existing Land Management Agreements are set to become a partnership arrangement between landholders and the State Government to ensure environmental outcomes are delivered more effectively and efficiently,” Mr Cripps said.
“We will continue to work with farm groups to design a land tenure system that provides certainty for Queensland agriculture with key reforms due to be delivered by the middle of next year.”
More information on the government’s plan for land tenure is available online at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au