By Michael Burt
The National Environmental Protection Agency has released a new guide farmers and landholders to help them comply with Australia’s national environment laws.
The Landholder Guide for the ‘Agriculture and the EPBC Act’ sets out how the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Australia’s main national environmental legislation, applies to common agricultural activities.
The guide is designed to help farmers comply with the Act, including recent Australian Government reforms that mean that ‘continuous use of the land’ may no longer provide an exemption to compliance. These changes bring agriculture into line with other industries and provide greater protection for threatened species and habitat, including the Great Barrier Reef.
However, farming groups say the guide is confusing and does not provide certainty for the nation’s food and fibre producers.
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) says it is “extremely concerned” it does not enable food and fibre producers to make informed decisions about routine management practices on their farms.
“Instead, it risks forcing farmers into almost unending paperwork,” NFF Sustainable Development Committee Chair and NSW farmer Angus Atkinson
Since the amendments to the EPBC Act were gazetted in December 2025, Mr Atkinson said the NFF has been in consultation with the government around the amendments that removed longstanding exemptions for routine agricultural activities involving vegetation more than 15 years old.
“We opposed this decision then and we oppose it now,” Mr Atkinson said.
“We have worked extensively with our members and Government to seek greater clarity and practical guidance so producers can better understand their new responsibilities.”
“This guide is a first version and does not resolve the concerns held by farmers and the broader agricultural sector.”
NSW Farmers spokesperson and Tenterfield farmer, Bronwyn Petrie said routine activities including weed and pest control, fencing, fire management and managing vegetation should not become unnecessarily complicated by additional federal processes.
“Uncertainty creates delays, increases costs and discourages investment at a time when farmers are already facing significant pressures from rising input costs, extreme weather and workforce shortages,” Ms Petrie said.
“Good environmental outcomes depend on farmers being active managers of the landscape, not being tied up in complex approval systems.”
“Farmers are committed to protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity, but they also need a regulatory framework that supports productive agriculture and investment in regional Australia.”
Ms Petrie said a well-designed EPBC act guide should improve environmental outcomes by giving producers greater certainty and reducing the risk of unnecessary compliance issues.
The guide is the first industry guidance released by the recently established National EPA and forms part of the ongoing implementation of environmental law reforms.
National EPA CEO John Bradley said the new agency has an important role in educating and supporting the regulated community to comply with national environment laws.
Mr Bradley defended the guide, saying responds to industry feedback and “provides simple, practical guidance about EPBC Act requirements, including when further assessment, advice or approvals may be needed.”
“We’ve been out on site with farmers and consulted widely with agriculture peak bodies, industry stakeholders, state-based environmental agencies and environmental researchers to ensure the guide is a valuable resource to landholders across the country.
“It’s important to note most routine farming activities can continue as they always have.”
“We recognise Australian farmers are some of our country’s most committed environmental stewards. Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity on-farm supports sustainable production through pest control, soil conservation and improving water quality.
“Where unlawful or unapproved clearing occurs, our response will be informed by behaviour and environmental harm, with strong enforcement reserved for deliberate breaches causing serious damage.”