Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), Media Release, 25 June 2026

The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) welcomes the Queensland Government’s reintroduced Regional Planning Interests (Condamine Alluvium) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 (the Bill), which has adopted the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee in full.

Through QFF’s and our members Cotton Australia, and Central Downs Irrigators Limited (CDIL), involvement in the Parliamentary Committee process, we advocated strongly for the retention of the Regional Interests Development Approval (RIDA) framework and a number of other important measures.

QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said the RIDA is a critical, front-end mechanism that helps to ensure impacts on agricultural land, water assets and production are properly considered before development occurs.

“The RIDA provides farmers with an important negotiation tool when resource development is proposed and the retention of the framework in this amended legislation was a key ask from QFF and our peak body members throughout the Parliamentary Committee process,” QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said.

“We welcome the introduction of a compensatory framework in relation to the issue of subsidence and acknowledgement that additional resources be allocated to the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment to facilitate the generation of more granular data about CSG-induced subsidence.

“The Condamine Alluvium is one of Queensland’s most important groundwater systems supporting some of Australia’s most productive cropping land, significant stock, domestic and community supplies. Its ongoing viability is dependent on the integrity of its groundwater and surface water systems, as well as the condition of the highly fertile soils that overlay it.

“QFF and our members valued the opportunity to participate in the committee hearing process and appreciate the Queensland Government hearing the key concerns raised by the agricultural sector.”

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray said Cotton Australia welcomes the Queensland Government’s commitment to implement all of the Inquiry’s recommendations.

“When passed this Bill will see the strengthening of land holder rights, especially providing greater certainty in regard to subsidence and compensation,” Mr Murray said.

“As an industry, we look forward to working with the government to continue to enhance protection of the productive capacity of the Condamine Alluvium and the land that overlays it.”

CDIL Chairman Nic Clapham thanked the Parliamentary Committee for listening to the unanimous voices of agriculture and recommending the RPI Act provisions are not removed for the Condamine Alluvium area.

“The Condamine Alluvium area is one of Queensland’s most productive food and fibre growing regions.  The Alluvium is fundamental to the agricultural production, economic prosperity and wellbeing of our region. Its protection must be assured,” Mr Clapham said.

QFF and our peak body members look forward to continued engagement with the Queensland Government to ensure the appropriate protection of the Condamine Alluvium for future generations.