Opportunity costs of pasture rundown in Queensland: Is tree clearing viable over the longer-term

Resource development issues remain topical in Queensland, with continued high rates of vegetation clearing and arguments that up to 15 million hectares of tropical woodland areas in the state could be profitably developed. In this paper the contribution of pasture development to beef production in the state is assessed. It appears that the gains from pasture development are partially offset by other losses in pasture production. Potential reasons for these losses are considered. The decline in pasture production following a spike in productivity after tree clearing is considered in some detail. Preliminary values for the opportunity costs of this pasture rundown are assessed.