This year has not treated Australia kindly. Floods, drought, and most recently bushfires have pushed the nation close to breaking point. While there is a generous amount of money being budgeted to help reduce issues such as mental health and bankruptcy, there is a lack of personal connection and understanding between our nation's leaders and the general population of rural areas.
There appears to be minimal research and consideration put into passing new agriculturally restricting laws. If it keeps a vocal portion of the population happy and stops them from accusing things like climate change and animal abuse, it seems to happen.
The cause and solution must be properly researched. Take for example stopping the controlled burning of bush and forest land in order to reduce Co2 emissions by increasing plant populations.
These areas have become immensely overgrown, thus providing a much larger amount of fuel for bushfires, causing a more intense natural disaster and ironically, destroying a much larger percentage of flora and fauna.
Another example: the recent banning of macropod harvesting. High roo populations across rural Queensland cause significant damage to cropping and grazing enterprises, especially in drought conditions. This also denies macropod harvesters the ability to earn a living.
Many have taken this career path due to the lack of employment available in rural communities; a direct effect of the drought. That in turn means there is not enough food to go around. Being able to manage the population through macropod harvesting ensures that inhumane deaths are reduced.
Should it be compulsory for government parties to become thoroughly educated on both the pros and cons of a new law restriction before making the decision? With emphasis on the question; how will this affect the natural environment, farming enterprises and the human population in the long term? What negatives can come out of this new law?
Australian farming plays such an important role in providing food and fibre across the world, revenue for Australia's trade industry and jobs for communities. It is vital to protect the industry and avoid the implementation of laws that will hinder the ability to safely and efficiently run farming operations.
- Georgia Hoolihan, 2018 Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl runner-up
