“The number one topic at any backyard barbecue is the state of regional roads,” he said.
“Potholes, blown tyres and detours aren’t just annoying, they’re slowing freight down and costing farmers time and money.
“This isn’t just about roads. It’s about investing in the entire supply chain, from paddock to port, to keep Australian agriculture productive and competitive.”
Mr Jochinke said the NFF was calling for all political parties to commit an extra $1-billion annually to the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program and $4-billion to reinstate a Roads of Strategic Importance program targeting improvements to key freight corridors, as well as allocating one per cent of federal tax revenue to grants for local government road repair and maintenance.
Mr Jochinke also called on parties to back housing initiatives to facilitate regional worker migration, a $20-million on-farm telecommunications connectivity program, sustainable development of Australia’s water grid and $1-billion for new regional childcare centres.
GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton also called for improvements to road and rail transport links.
“High supply-chain costs directly impact growers, and without improved road and rail infrastructure the Australian grain industry will struggle to compete in international markets,” he said.
“While we welcome the recent commitments for regional roads by both sides, this is a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed.
“Studies have shown that for every $1-million invested in our road-construction industry, $2.9-million in output is contributed to the economy, and $1.3-million of value is added to Australian GDP.
“While rail can effectively transport grain over long distances – producing 16 times less carbon pollution than road freight per tonne-kilometre travelled – a patchwork of track gauges, varied axle loads, and ageing infrastructure currently restricts capacity and addressing these issues must be a priority for the next Federal Government.”
Renewable transition
All three bodies listed a need to transition to renewable energy in a fair and orderly manner as crucial for the future of Australian agriculture.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the group supported a renewable energy transition but farmers and regional communities needed to be central to any discussions.
“Farmers aren’t opposed to progress, but we won’t accept a system where multinational energy companies dictate terms to local landholders,” he said.
“We want proper consultation, fair compensation, a fair go for our communities, and most of all we want Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton to listen.”
Mr Hosking called for the Federal Government to refrain from funding energy and transmission projects unless developers properly engaged with affected landholders and were governed by a mandatory code of conduct.
He also asked parties to commit to scrapping tax on compensation payments made to farmers hosting transmission infrastructure on their land.
“This isn’t a windfall, it’s compensation for lost productivity and ongoing disruption. Taxing these payments is giving with one hand and taking back with the other,” he said.
Mr Jochinke said the NFF also favoured a partnership-based approach to sustainability.
“Farmers manage more than half the country’s landscape and are at the forefront of emissions reduction, biodiversity protection, and land stewardship,” he said.
“Farmers need a collaborative approach that puts us at the centre of decision-making, not making us a victim of it.”
Mr Jochinke said clarity around emissions reporting, with standardised guidelines for measuring on-farm carbon, were important steps.
Mr Turton said GrainGrowers members wanted to see more proactive investment from the government to tackle climate change.
“Research shows that for every dollar invested in climate-resilient infrastructure, six dollars can be saved,” he said.
The entire April 30, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire April 30, 2025 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
