Labor Will Protect Victoria's Farms

Victoria's hard-working farmers feed our state – as well as markets beyond our borders - and Labor backs them every step of the way.

To better protect productive farmland and give farmers more of a voice in decisions affecting their land, a re-elected Carroll Labor Government will establish a Victorian Land Use Commissioner, supported by a specialist team of advisers.

This is a $6 million investment.

The Commissioner’s role will be to advise government on farmland protection and to publicly report on pressures facing the state's agricultural land.

The Commissioner will work directly with farmers, councils, industry and regional communities, ensuring local voices are heard and to provide independent advice to government on significant land use conflicts and farmland protection priorities.

This follows recently announced reforms to strengthen protections for Melbourne's green wedges and agricultural land, reducing the loss and fragmentation of farmland and helping prevent conflicts between established farms and new development.

Labor will safeguard the farmland that produces our food, supports regional jobs and drives our agricultural economy.

While Labor is investing in the future of Victorian agriculture, the Liberal-One Nation Coalition has no new plans for Victoria’s food security, just a reheat of protections already in place.

Only Labor is investing to protect Victoria's farms and secure the future for farmers and our regional communities.

Quotes attributable to Premier Ben Carroll

“Farmers want a stronger, independent voice in decisions about their land. We've listened, and we're delivering a Commissioner who will work with farmers, identify the pressures on productive land and help us make better decisions.”

“This investment will help ensure Victoria's farms remains strong and protected for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle

“Victorian farmers grow some of the best food and fibre in the world, and we need to protect the land that makes that possible. We've already strengthened planning protections for farmland, and now we're taking the next step.”

"Victoria's food security starts with protecting the farmland that feeds our state and supports thousands of regional jobs."