Primary industries
Growth in a changing landscape
Queenslands primary industries sector is a dynamic player in the Queensland economy, society, culture and environment, especially in regional areas.
Emissions from agricultural production and land clearing contributed approximately 42 per cent of Queenslands total greenhouse gas emissions in 2007.
Primary industries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and changes in global economic activity. For much of Queensland, climate change will result in more frequent droughts and drier conditions. This is likely to have long-term impacts on the economic returns from primary production.
The biosequestration of greenhouse gases in forests, vegetation and soils offers potential for emissions reduction from this sector. Emerging industries such as carbon farming and biosequestration offer substantial opportunities for investment in the rural sector, allowing landholders to diversify income and access the emerging carbon markets.
Reducing methane emission from livestock production is more difficult. In 2007, emissions from livestock totalled 20.8 million tonnes, or approximately 80 per cent of total agricultural emissions in Queensland.
Primary industries - growth in a changing landscape (PDF, 757K)*
Primary industries key initiatives fact sheets
- Identifying the Carbon Potential of Native Vegetation (PDF, 117K)*
- Helping Primary Producers Adapt to Climate Change (PDF, 318K)*
- Identifying the Carbon Potential of Land Uses (PDF, 967K)*
- Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative (PDF, 391K)*
- Recognising Carbon Rights on Leasehold Land - currently being updated
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last reviewed 20 December 2010
Last updated 22 February 2010