Submission to Draft Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Plan 2026–31 and Net Zero Strategy for Agriculture

Livestock SA, the peak body representing South Australia’s sheep, beef cattle and goat producers, has made a submission on the Draft Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Plan 2026–31. Our members support a $4.3 billion livestock industry and more than 21,000 jobs across the red meat and wool supply chains.

Livestock SA supports the submission made by Primary Producers SA and reiterates concerns previously raised about regional approaches to climate policy for agriculture.

Key points from our submission include:

• National consistency matters: Climate, land use and food production policy affecting livestock must align with national frameworks, not be fragmented across regions.
• Opposition to regional net zero targets for agriculture: Sector‑ or region‑specific targets risk policy fragmentation, market confusion, duplicative reporting and reduced investment confidence.
• Focus on emissions intensity, not absolute caps: Evidence shows reducing emissions intensity through productivity improvements is the most effective and responsible pathway for livestock systems.
• Protect trade and market integrity: Export markets rely on nationally consistent sustainability reporting and greenhouse accounting.
• Safeguard productive land and water: Policy settings should avoid unintended land conversion, carbon speculation and added regulatory uncertainty that undermine food production and water security.
• Support core landscape priorities: Pest and weed control, soil health, erosion management, and drought and bushfire preparedness deliver real environmental and productivity benefits.

Livestock SA remains committed to working constructively with the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, industry partners and government to achieve practical environmental outcomes while maintaining food security, regional resilience and the competitiveness of South Australia’s livestock producers.