SMALL crop farmers are being encouraged to have their say on the Palaszczuk government's proposed changes to regulations for clearing regrowth on coastal horticultural operations.
Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said the draft code would allow farmers to clear up to 10 hectares of regrowth vegetation for agriculture purposes.
"The new draft regrowth code covers native vegetation that's 15 years or older and has new requirements to prevent soil erosion and sediment run-off entering the waterways in all six Great Barrier Reef catchments," Dr Lynham said.
It is the ninth of the 10 codes that have been reviewed since the Palaszczuk government smashed through its controversial vegetation management laws in May 2018.
Dr Lynham said two previous regrowth codes have been merged into one, reducing the need to make multiple notifications.
Rural industry has had a breakthrough with Dr Lynham saying the State-wide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) would be enhanced with a $3.9 million dollar injection to identify and report on the condition and extent of regrowth vegetation and inform habitat conservation.
"The enhanced study will provide a complete summary for decision makers and stakeholders that shows woody vegetation trends, including clearing and regrowth, woody vegetation extent, its condition, and the purposes for clearing."
SLATS has been widely criticised for its political use, focusing on clearing rates while masking the impact of regrowth. Farmers can have their say until May 6.