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Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security

The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security.

By news@gippsland - 12th August 2026 - Back to News

The Nationals have this week introduced a landmark private members bill in the Victorian Parliament to protect the state's agricultural land from being permanently lost to poorly considered development. The Bill was introduced into the Legislative Council by The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath after Labor failed to support it in the Legislative Assembly.

The Planning and Environment Amendment (Agricultural Land and Food Security) Bill 2026 would recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, protecting farmland, supporting 21,300 farming businesses contributing $22 billion annually to Victoria's economy

Agriculture Bill targets growth

The Planning and Environment Amendment (Agricultural Land and Food Security) Bill 2026, created by Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy, would ensure agriculture is finally recognised as the strategic asset it is, rather than treated as just another land use in Victoria's planning system.

Victoria produces around 28 percent of Australia's gross value of agricultural production, with a farm gate value of roughly $22 billion a year, generated by more than 21,300 farming businesses. Speaking in parliament Ms Bath said agriculture's contribution extends well beyond the farm gate with the sector supporting thousands of jobs across transport and logistics, food processing, manufacturing, agricultural technology, research, science and innovation.

"Agriculture is the economic backbone of regional communities and a driver of investment, employment and prosperity across our state. The Labor government's track record shows it has repeatedly failed to consider the impact of urban growth, transmission infrastructure, renewables or extractive industries on Victorian agriculture. Farming is not an afterthought or disposable industry - it must be recognised as the powerhouse that delivers us food and fibre security," said Ms Bath.

Nationals back farmers

It is the latest push from The Nationals to protect farmers, following on from announcements that they will also:

• Scrap the Emergency Services Tax
• Stop VNI West
• Review Victoria's entire Transmission Plan
• Repeal laws that remove a farmer's right to say no entry on their land
• Cancel fines issued by VicGrid
• Tackle farm crime

Ms Bath said the Labor government has consistently failed farmers. "Eastern Victoria has some of the best agricultural land in Victoria, and it shouldn't be sacrificed through poor planning decisions by the Labor government."

"Farmers deserve confidence that the long-term productive capacity of their land will be properly considered before valuable agricultural land is taken out of production. Only The Nationals in government will give farmers their Fair Share and put food security and farming communities at the centre of the state's planning framework." concluded Ms Bath.

Pictures from One Gippsland Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
  Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs.
• Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
  Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026.
• Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
  Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Coalition launches National Water Taskforce to identify infrastructure projects and expand Australia’s agricultural production capacity
  The Coalition’s new Water Taskforce will work with states and territories to identify infrastructure projects, upgrade water supplies and support agricultural production amid concerns about future food security.
• Matt Canavan warns Australia is sleepwalking towards food crisis as population growth outpaces domestic food production
  Matt Canavan has warned Australia is sleepwalking into a food security crisis, with population growth outpacing food production. He says projected shortages could affect pork, butter, eggs, apples, chicken and rice by 2040.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
  The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Darren Chester joins Traralgon Remembrance Day Service honouring Australian veterans and recognising Gippsland’s proud military history
  Darren Chester joined veterans, schoolchildren and residents at Traralgon’s Remembrance Day service, honouring fallen Australians, recognising veterans’ sacrifices and highlighting Gippsland’s long standing military history and Defence connections.
• New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
  Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community input on priorities and spending ahead of 2027/28 Budget Development and financial planning process
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback to help shape its 2027/28 Budget, with residents encouraged to share priorities, ideas and concerns through Have Your Say by November 1.
• Sale roundabout upgrade to improve road safety, traffic flow and access to future college campus and growing North Sale Precinct
  Wellington Shire Council will build a $2.75 million roundabout at Gibsons and Cobains roads in Sale, improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety and access to the future Sale College campus, with construction beginning in early 2027.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Bairnsdale Mall upgrades postponed until early 2027 to accommodate community events, with safety and amenity improvements still planned
  East Gippsland Shire Council has postponed Bairnsdale Mall improvements until early 2027 to accommodate upcoming community events, including the Walk to Change the Story and Christmas Festival.
• Wellington Shire Council backs campaign seeking greater rural investment, improved roads, infrastructure funding and regional economic growth
  Wellington Shire Council is backing Rural Councils Victoria’s campaign for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, community facilities and a proposed $1 billion regional productivity and growth fund.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
  Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season.
• Labor's trade record faces $46B deterioration as fuel dependence leaves Australia increasingly vulnerable to global disruptions
  Australia’s trade position has deteriorated nearly $47 billion since 2022, with a $5.1 billion deficit. Fuel imports surged 42.5 per cent, exposing Australia’s growing dependence on overseas fuel supplies and refining.
• Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
  Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain.