On The Land
15 August, 2024
Data supports beef industry’s land practices
INDEPENDENT data released by the Queensland Government has clearly demonstrated the state’s primary producers play a significant role in managing landscapes for ecological health while also fulfilling the vital task of feeding the world.
Cattle Australia chief executive officer Dr Chris Parker said the latest Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) report showed it was possible to strike the right balance between conservation and agricultural production, and supported the beef industry’s land management practices.
“The narrative that agriculture, and the beef industry in particular, are somehow perpetrating widespread habitat destruction has been discredited, yet again, by this latest data,” Dr Parker said.
“The report shows in 2021-22 there was a decrease of 7% in overall woody vegetation clearing activity across the state compared with the previous year.
“This decrease is nothing but a good outcome for biodiversity and carbon emissions reductions in the state.”
Acknowledging the reported increase of regulated vegetation clearing, up from 61,400 hectares in 2020-21 to 71,100ha in 2021-22, Dr Parker said it was imperative the figures were not taken out of context as a means to discredit the positive findings.
“The increase is largely due to more landholders managing vegetation encroachment on native grasslands in response to the sequential wet years Queensland has experienced – actions which also support biodiversity and environmental outcomes,” Dr Parker said.
“Additionally, regulated land in Queensland amounts to 140 million hectares, meaning the 71,100ha that was cleared represents just 0.051% of the total area. Of that 71,100ha, 74.5% is categorised as land area of least concern.
“Overall, the data shows the trend is down, with a 64% reduction in regulated vegetation clearing over a four-year period.”
Dr Parker said also contributing to the positive findings was the further 31,09ha of regrowth mapped as part of the study, adding to the 59,654 ha of new growth mapped the previous year.
“The SLATS is an important tool that enables the monitoring of how much land is being cleared and ongoing vegetation clearing trends in Queensland, and it is pleasing to see consistent updates to the mapped area,” Dr Parker said.
“Ensuring this data is up to date and accurate enables the state’s primary producers to scientifically verify claims tied to environmental, social and governance requirements, and we look forward to working with both the Queensland and Federal governments to ensure the continuation of this progress.
“Doing so will further support initiatives such as the Land Management Commitment in demonstrating how we manage landscapes in the unique Australian context.”
