The day Reef Compliance Officers came to my grazing property

Central Queensland grazier, Craig Bailey gave a strong presentation at the 2023 PRA conference of how his family felt being subjected to a compulsory audit under the reef protection regulations. Craig was surprised to be under such a microscope because in 1994 his family changed their approach to property management decisions, aligned to what has now become known as regenerative agriculture. On the day of audit, two young compliance officers had little knowledge or interest in Craig’s land management. Craig felt the method used by the reef regulations is saying to farmers and graziers that they haven’t the skill or the will and can’t be trusted to look after their properties. Having previously little knowledge of reef regulations, Craig has since looked into them and is dismayed at the mechanisms in place. “You don’t put a hammer in your toolbox unless you plan to use it one day.“, Craig observed, “The Queensland government pretty much have seized control of the management of your property.“