By the Queensland Government
Responsible investors looking to manage ESG risk will find strong alignment with Queensland’s primary industries sector, known globally for its reputation in producing high-quality, safe and sustainable produce that meets strict production, processing, transport and animal welfare standards
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia found that despite a general slowdown in global economic growth, in 2023 the Australian investment market experienced significant growth reaching A$1.6 trillion, a 24% increase from 2022. This was driven by strong regulatory frameworks, increased investor demand, and the expectation of improved long-term performance of responsible investment among investors (RIAA benchmark report – Australia 2024).
A co-designed environment for stewardship
Queensland stands out for investors because its primary industries meet the highest standard of ESG expectations. Since the 1990s, Australian agricultural leaders have embedded a stewardship culture through formal frameworks and accreditations, guided by materiality assessments of their supply chains to keep ahead of social expectations for sustainable production.
Queensland has built on this through dedicated investment in best management practice programs centred around our commitment for sustainable agriculture, particularly in the coastal Great Barrier Reef catchments.
ESG is embedded in Queensland primary industries through:
1) Regulatory frameworks providing robust legislation and transparent public data that support compliance with disclosure requirements.
2) Best management practice (BMP) programs led by industry that set the standards across diverse sectors.
3) International certification of Australian primary industries showing that we often exceed global benchmarks for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Underpinning this is a commitment to support world-class primary industry systems. International investors can benefit from the efforts of industry and government through their scientifically-proven, sustainable production practices over the past 30 years.
Regulatory frameworks reduce investment risk
Queensland achieved the highest Environmental Condition Score of any Australian state or territory in 2025 (Australia’s Environment Report 2025).
The Queensland Government recognises both investors and the broader community expect the primary industries sector to be stewards of the land and sea for current and future generations. Up-to-date, detailed, transparent financial and non-financial information related to sustainability management, reinforces accountability to the community and stakeholders.
By changing grazing practices in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, it is estimated graziers have prevented around 20,700 tonnes of sediment from entering the Reef annually.
Native vegetation clearing is regulated in Queensland to conserve remnant vegetation, prevent biodiversity loss and land degradation, maintain ecological processes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle are typically grazed at very low stocking rates across vast areas of native grasslands, savannas and open woodlands. Compared to other cattle producing countries, Australia’s average stocking rate is exceptionally low at just 0.06 Livestock Unit/hectare (FAO).
Grazing landscapes in Queensland often deliver both production and environmental outcomes. Woody vegetation regrowth on previously cleared grazing land is common in Queensland, offering opportunities for production, stewardship and natural capital.
Broadscale clearing of native vegetation for cropping and pasture within remnant and regulated regrowth vegetation categories is effectively prohibited, with few exceptions. The Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) provides statewide transparency and publicly reports changes in woody vegetation.
Australia’s National Greenhouse Inventory reports that Queensland achieved net forest gains in 9 of the 15 years between 2008-9 and 2022-23. Australia has been assigned a low-risk rating under the European Union Deforestation Regulation, providing further confidence in the outcomes being achieved.
Sustainable water allocations: State regulated, catchment-based water plans provide sustainable water allocations for the environment, agriculture, industries and population centres. Water markets allow for licences and allocations to be traded and unallocated water reserves are available for future use, without compromising the security of existing users or environmental values.
Industry-led best management practice
The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) facilitates a harmonised approach and enhances the credibility and comparability of sustainability practices across entities and sectors. The AASF is aligned to recognised sustainability frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Industry associations provide coordination, accreditation and publicly report their success:
· 75% of Australian cotton growers participate in best management practice programs (myBMP), which has been recognised since 2014 under the Better Cotton Initiative, delivering a premium price per bale
· 45% of Queensland’s cane land is accredited by SmartcaneBMP, benchmarked against three international sustainability standards – VIVE, Bonsucro and ProTerra
· Fair Farms provides credible third-party assurance to retailers, buyers and stakeholders that participating businesses are operating in a fair, ethical and responsible manner in their treatment of workers. This assurance supports market access, strengthens supply chain trust, and mitigates reputational and regulatory risk
· 69.83 million hectares of Australian grazing land under forest, 72% of feedlot cattle housed with shade, and 98% of cattle processed through facilities with independently accredited animal welfare (Australian Beef Sustainability Framework – 2025)
· 73% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by Australian pork producers since 1980, 49% using solar power and 78% reusing of effluent to nourish crops, enhance soil health and reduce chemical fertiliser use (Australian Pork – Baseline Report 2023)
Australian cropping systems also favour crop rotations that can preserve soil moisture and health, and reduce pests, diseases, and weeds. Australian cropping systems are characterised by land management practices such as retaining stubble (85% of farms), optimising the use of pesticides or fertilisers (65% of farms), improving soil water retention (64% of farms), use of cover crops (53% of farms) and use of fallow in crop rotations (50% of farms) (Coelli 2021).
International comparison shows that Australian adoption of zero tillage is now normal practice, compared with other developed countries in the EU and Americas where conventional tillage is still commonplace.
Australia’s investment in research and development has supported the implementation of scientifically-backed practices driven by a focus on productivity, efficient resource use and reduced environmental impacts.
Why you should invest in Queensland
For investors seeking stability, climate aligned and nature positive opportunities, Queensland offers certainty, transparency, capability and alignment with environmental markets. Queensland’s primary industries underpin major export industries and support regional economies. ESG’s maturity in Queensland is a distinct advantage supporting long-term, sustainable growth in food and fibre.
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