The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says a landmark Bill to strengthen protections for Victoria’s agricultural land is an important step towards safeguarding Gippsland’s farms and food production.
The Nationals’ Planning and Environment Amendment (Agricultural Land and Food Security) Bill 2026 will ensure agriculture is recognised as a strategic asset in Victoria’s planning system.
Mr O’Brien said Gippsland’s farmers should have confidence that the long-term productive capacity of their land will be properly considered before major developments are approved.
“Gippsland is home to some of the best agricultural land in Victoria, producing food and fibre that feeds families right across Australia.
“Yet farmers are increasingly facing pressure from major infrastructure projects, renewable energy developments and transmission infrastructure.
“Too often, the impact on productive farmland seems to be considered after the decision has already been made.
“This Bill puts agriculture where it belongs – at the centre of planning decisions that could permanently affect our ability to produce food.”
The Bill establishes a framework for identifying Strategic Agricultural Land, requires Agricultural Land Impact Assessments for prescribed developments, mandates consultation with Agriculture Victoria before significant decisions are made and requires agricultural expertise on relevant advisory committees and inquiry panels.
Mr O’Brien said protecting farmland is crucial to protecting regional communities and industries that rely on agriculture.
“Agriculture is about more than what happens on the farm.
“It supports transport, logistics, food processing, manufacturing and countless small businesses right across Gippsland.
“Once productive farmland is permanently lost or fragmented, we can’t simply create more of it somewhere else.
“Gippsland farmers deserve a planning system that recognises the value of their land and gives proper consideration to food security before decisions are made.
“Labor has repeatedly failed to account for the impact of major projects and planning decisions on our farmers and the wider agricultural industry.
“The Nationals will stand up for farmers, protect productive agricultural land and make sure food production remains at the heart of decisions about Gippsland’s future.”
Caption: The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says The Nationals will protect Gippsland farmland.
