Posted by: Tony Allen
In August 2013 I was pleased to write a blog concerning the
positive announcement of the then Newman Government that promised farmers and graziers across Queensland greater
security of land tenure. At that time, the former Premier unveiled important
changes to leasehold land renewals and committed to setting clear pathways for
farmers and graziers to upgrade from leasehold to freehold land. For many
grazing families this was extremely promising news as their grazing interests in
many cases been had been held in the same family for multiple generations and
had become a fundamental part of the family business operations.
It was therefore disappointing
to recently read a report that suggests a major shift away from
this policy by the current Queensland government to a policy that could result
in the loss of existing grazing leases in national parks. The new National Parks Minister Steven Miles is quoted as saying
that Labor was not keen on the idea to roll such grazing leases to new 20 and
30-year terms and that "It's not our intention to continue renewing leases
as the previous government intended to do".
Pressure is coming
from interest groups such as the National Parks
Association of Queensland Inc (NPAQ), which takes the view that
grazing threatens the long-term viability of native species in the parks. While
NPAQ wants National Parks Minister Steven Miles to rule out renewing any of the
grazing leases and to consider options for ending them early, the Minister is
considering the Government's options.
Whatever
position is finally adopted by the current government, this development
highlights the fundamental difference between freehold title and grazing leases
and the need for graziers to review their grazing operations and develop plans
that take account of such policy changes. This story will be watched by many.
