The Palaszczuk Government has rejected an application for high-value agriculture on Cape York property, Kendall River, home to the biggest area of arable land on the Cape.
A month after its Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) Bill was defeated, the government’s declaration that Kendall River is unsuitable for high-value agriculture confirms the suspicions of many about the future of these projects in Qld under the Labor reign.
Kendall River owners George and Stephanie Muirhead spent $150,000 on tests, reports and consultants. They engaged one of Australia’s leading soil scientists and carried out intensive economic modelling.
Mr Muirhead said he was shocked when he received the letter last Friday.
“We didn’t realise that it wouldn’t pass,” he said.
“Kendall was a unique situation. It wasn’t affecting the reef as the rivers flow out to the western Gulf and that was one of the major arguments.
“It had no endangered flora and fauna and economically it was an ideal piece of land.
“It is flat with deep red soils and adequate rainfall. All the things that would have made it suitable.”
The Muirheads purchased the 283,279-hectare property, 180km northwest of Coen, in November last year, and simultaneously lodged an application to clear 7800 ha for forage production.
They had positive hearings at pre-lodgement meetings.
Because time had lapsed, the Muirheads sought a court determination.
They were then asked for more information and engaged leading soil scientist Bernie Powell to reassess tests conducted by land management consultant Peter Spies. He deemed Mr Spies assessment to be conservative.
When the government’s bill was defeated, Mr Muirhead, like other landholders, thought the battle was won.
“Everyone who had worked so hard to get that vote was overjoyed,” Mr Muirhead said. “Then in view of all that we got a letter to say it was unsuitable for high-value agriculture, no reasons given. How on earth did they reach this conclusion?”
Mr Muirhead, who is considering legal action, said it appeared the government had no intention of passing permits in Queensland.
“If that wouldn’t pass, nothing will pass,” he said.
Consultant Peter Spies said the refusal showed Queensland was not open for agricultural development under Labor.
“I have said that nothing will change from how it was before the introduction of the bill,” Mr Spies said.
“It is a bit like having a tap… one Government can open it up, or shut it down.
“The Vegetation Management Bill that Trad and her colleagues proposed would take that tap away.
“I told prospective clients’ that there is no point applying for high-value agriculture if the Kendall River Station application is not accepted, the soil is that good.
“It would do much for Cape York employment and that economy in what is a low socio-economic area.
“I believe this refusal is significant in that it sends a message.
“Queensland is not open for new agricultural development while this government is in power.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning said the application did not include a section 22A ‘relevant purpose’ determination.
“As a result, an application for the proposed development was not able to be made under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.
“The department advised the applicant accordingly and returned the applicant’s application fees.”
“The department does not ‘stall’ assessment of applications.
“All vegetation clearing applications within the State Assessment and Referral Agency are rigorously assessed against applicable statutory requirements and timeframes.
“ At times, applicants are asked to provide further information that assists in the assessment of their proposals.”
