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Slashing soil program and diverting $11.7M from National Soils Strategy by Albanese Labor government disregards Australian agriculture

David Littleproud criticised Labor for redirecting $11.7 million from the National Soil Strategy and scrapping the $54 million Soil Monitoring Incentives Program showcases disregard for agriculture's needs.

By news@gippsland - 5th December 2023 - Back to News

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Labor had cut funding to crucial soil programs in the lead up to World Soil Day. He said World Soil Day was a chance to reflect on the importance of soils and agriculture providing fresh food and fibre, but Labor continued to ignore the industry. "The former Coalition government set up the National Soil Strategy in 2021 and committed $196.9 million."

Labor's decision to end the Soil Monitoring Investment Program is disgraceful and reflects their contempt for our farmers and the $85 billion ag industry

Rerouting to 'other priorities'

Mr Littleproud said, "Labor redirected $11.7 million from the National Soils Strategy to 'other priorities'. They continue to make cuts instead of investing in soils. In fact, Labor's National Soil Action Plan includes $36 million from the Natural Heritage Trust, which already focuses on soils. Labor also cut the innovative $54 million Soil Monitoring Incentives Program (SMIP)."

The SMIP provided landholders with up to $275 per soil sampling site - capped at $10,000 per business - in exchange for sharing the information with a national soil database, to help the development of future policy.

Labor axed crucial programs

Mr Littleproud said, "The Soil Monitoring Incentives Program was designed to boost the productivity and profitability of Australian agriculture. Crucially this program also allowed farmers to benchmark the carbon or organic matter of their farm soil, to help them gather data required for Emissions Reduction Fund projects. Labor's decision to end the SMIP is disgraceful and it reflects their contempt for our farmers and the $80 billion agriculture industry."

Labor also scrapped the National Soils Advocate just months ago. "Labor is cutting corners and costs when it comes to soils. There is no detail on who or what will replace the National Soils Advocate, even though the government has had nearly 18 months to plan for this crucial position," Mr Littleproud added.

Pictures from Department of Agriculture , Fisheries and Forestry website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
  Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
  East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• Trafalgar Holden Museum celebrates iconic Australian Holden heritage, rare cars, memorabilia, and expanded exhibitions spaces
  The Trafalgar Holden Museum showcases Australia’s iconic Holden heritage, featuring over 75 vehicles, historic memorabilia, rare concept cars, and expanded exhibition spaces, offering an immersive experience for car enthusiasts and visitors.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
  Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future.
• South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
  Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers.
• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• Skeene Creek Farm launches, driving sustainable agriculture, innovation, and resilience across East Gippsland region
  Skeene Creek Farm launches near Bairnsdale, transforming underutilised land into a sustainable agriculture hub, promoting circular economy, innovation, environmental resilience, and practical research for East Gippsland farmers.
• East Gippsland Water donates hay to support farmers through Lions Club ‘Need for Feed’ program
  East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship.