Submission to National Environmental Standard for Matters of National Environmental Significance

Livestock SA has provided a submission on the proposed MNES Standard, raising concerns that the framework in its current form is not clear, practical or workable for livestock producers.

While supporting the objective of improving environmental outcomes, Livestock SA notes the standard does not provide sufficient guidance for producers to understand their obligations or assess whether routine farming activities may trigger referral under the EPBC Act. This lack of clarity creates uncertainty for businesses operating across large and diverse landscapes.

The submission also highlights the importance of recognising the role of agriculture in delivering food security, regional economic activity and environmental stewardship, and ensuring environmental reforms support both biodiversity outcomes and ongoing agricultural production.

Key recommendations

• Recognise food production and regional economies - ensure the Standard supports agricultural productivity and food security outcomes.
• Provide certainty for routine agricultural activities develop a clear schedule of activities that do not require referral under the EPBC Act.
• Reflect extensive grazing systems - ensure the framework is practical for large-scale and variable production environments.
• Protect drought resilience and animal welfare activities - avoid unintended constraints on essential management and infrastructure.
• Improve data and guidance - strengthen mapping accuracy and provide clear, agriculture-specific guidance developed with industry.