FARMERS have thrown down the gauntlet to the re-elected Palaszczuk government, saying it must demonstrate its promised commitment to Queensland's $18 billion agriculture industry.
AgForce Cane president Ricky Mio said first and foremost a comprehensive vision for agriculture needed to be created and then implemented.
"For the past two terms we have been shunned and shafted, farmers have been talked to, communication with the government has been one way," Mr Mio said.
"The government must engage fully and genuinely with regional Queensland if it wants to navigate the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-induced economic, jobs and debt crisis.
"They need to genuinely work with primary producers to find solutions to the state's significant economic, employment, and environmental challenges, not just tell us what to do."
Mr Mio said it was clear Queensland's recovery would continue to be led by the regions and industries including agriculture, resources, and tourism.
"Regional Queensland proved its importance during the election campaign when the leaders of both Labor and the LNP spent more time there in eight weeks than they had in the previous four years," he said.
So now, having won the election on the votes of regional Queensland, the government has to follow through on their promises.
- Ricky Mio, AgForce Cane
"So now, having won the election on the votes of regional Queensland, the government has to follow through on their promises.
Mr Mio said farmers were already leading the way on measures to safeguard the Reef, reducing carbon emissions, and preserving the natural environment, but were being treated as environmental vandals.
"The government must take a lead role, rather than pandering to minority interests that don't reflect the average Australian's views or priorities in terms of work, life, and nature," Mr Mio said.
"We stand ready to roll up our sleeves and work with the government for the benefit of industry, communities, and the environment.
"So the most important thing is that they pick up the phone and talk to us as people, as farming families, as businesses, and as constituents."
