Queensland industry welcomes common sense change for plantation forestry carbon farming

Queensland’s forest and timber industry has welcomed the announcement today by the Albanese Government to remove the water rule barrier in the Emissions Reduction Fund.

Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said that the lifting of this unnecessary barrier will help to promote new plantations on farms in Queensland for multiple benefits.

“Queensland was a big loser from the existing barrier which effectively blocked the ability for farmers and landowners to access carbon credits for new plantations in areas that received over 600 mm annual rainfall. We do get lots of rain in many parts of Queensland which can support carbon farming with wood production,” Mr Stephens said.

“As an industry we have worked tirelessly to get this barrier removed so that plantation and farm forestry can compete on a level playing field with other land-based carbon farming activities under the scheme.”

“It is disappointing it has taken many years to get this issue resolved under successive Governments, but when it comes to public policy we take the view that common sense will ultimately prevail.”

“The Australian Government is to be commended for removing this barrier as part of their election commitments for the industry. We acknowledge the support from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, as part of this important change,” Mr Stephens said.

“We also appreciate the support of Julie Collins as shadow Minister for Agriculture during the 2022 election when the ALP policy was announced. As the current Minister for Housing, she would recognise the ability for new plantations to reduce emissions while providing much needed timber for our growing demand for houses and residential buildings.”

“With the rule removed, we see large potential for farmers to integrate planted forests with beef grazing, for example, to diversify their incomes and generate carbon along with agricultural productivity benefits such as shade and shelter for livestock,” Mr Stephens said.

“The removal of the water rule for two major forestry regions in Queensland is welcomed as an immediate priority and we look forward to the repeal of the regulation in its entirety in mid-2024.”