Committee chairman, Chris Whiting, confirmed last Monday that hearings would also take place in Rockhampton, Townsville, Longreach and Charleville, and a site visit would also be undertaken at Cloncurry.

Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell has called on locals to give their submissions to the Cloncurry hearing which will take place at the Community Precinct from 1-4pm next Wednesday, March 28.

Cr Campbell said the Bill was a kneejerk reaction to appease a Green minority in the city.

“This bill will make it harder for landholders to improve productivity,” Cr Campbell said.

The Member for Warrego, Ann Leahy, said the two hours given for public hearings in Charleville was a disgrace.

“I would have thought they would have been a bit more conciliatory. This is going to leave a few people disappointed,” she said.

“In 2016 a lot of people wanted to have their say. This legislation is worse and will affect more people, and I think the lack of meaningful consultation is a disgrace.”

Mr Whiting said the committee needed to return to Brisbane by 6pm next Thursday in order for members to travel to various destinations for Easter.

A request by AgForce for an extension of time for submissions to the Parliamentary inquiry will be considered at Monday’s committee briefing.

According to Mr Whiting, it was decided that if AgForce wanted an extension of time, it could be considered but this wouldn’t be extended to general submissions.

”We have to report back to Parliament by April 23,” he explained.

Gregory MP, Lachlan Millar, who has also been advocating for an extension of time for submissions, asked what the rush was.

“We’re going to have the distraction of Easter and the Commonwealth Games and then be asked to vote on this in the first hearing in May.”