QFF's energy team have recently written an article outlining what the new LNP government in Queensland could mean for the Queensland agriculture sector and farmers in the context of energy.

Originally published on the QFF website here

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The recent election of the LNP in Queensland marks a potential shift in the state’s energy policies, with significant implications for the agricultural sector.

Known for its focus on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, the LNP has signalled plans to prioritise energy reliability, affordability, and regional development.

For Queensland’s farmers and landholders, this could mean:

• Renewed focus on energy security: The LNP is likely to prioritise investments in traditional energy sources, aiming to stabilise power supply in regional areas. This may reduce disruptions that have previously impacted farming operations.

• Opportunities in renewable energy projects: While the LNP has expressed some caution on rapid renewable energy transitions, it supports ‘co-existence’ approaches, allowing landholders to participate in renewable projects that complement agricultural use. Further to this, the Pioneer Burdekin Pumped Hydro project has already been scrapped, with the government stating ‘this project…is not financially viable, not environmentally appropriate and the community was never consulted.’

• Potential cost reductions: Promises to review electricity pricing for regional consumers could provide relief for ag businesses reliant on energy-intensive irrigation and processing.

• Streamlined planning processes: The LNP has committed to reducing red tape around land use, which could simplify negotiations for energy projects on farmland, helping to enable the energy transition.

QFF will continue to advocate for funding to accelerate smart metering, switchboard upgrades, data use and data security to enable farmers to access energy innovation and tariff efficiencies.

QFF CEO Jo Sheppard along with QFF’s peak body members have already met with Treasurer, Minister for Energy the Hon David Janetzki to reiterate our priorities for the sector.

For landholders, the key will be engaging early to shape local energy developments and exploring opportunities to benefit from emerging initiatives. Organisations like Coexistence Queensland are ready to support farmers in navigating these changes, ensuring their voices are heard as policies evolve.