A tight-knit agricultural Queensland community has been left devastated after a respected farming leader and his young grandson died in a horrifying accident.
AgForce Central Queensland councillor Ian Burnett, 70, and his young grandson were declared dead at the scene when their farming vehicle rolled into a dam on the family’s property near Emerald.
Emergency crews were called to the scene at 2.10pm, but both were unable to be revived.
Mr Burnett was a third-generation farmer who dedicated his life to agriculture and championing the voices of Queensland farmers.
A farming legacy
The Burnett family’s connection to the land runs deep.
Moving to Emerald in 1982, Mr Burnett began cultivating cotton the following year on what would become the family’s 15,000-acre property in Wyuna.
“I would be a … third-generation farmer. My operation here has changed considerably from what my father did, he was a cattle producer.
“It’s something that my sons and grandchildren certainly are looking to continue with the cotton production.” Mr Burnett told not-for-profit Westfund in a 2019 interview.
Branching out from cotton, the Burnetts also farmed chickpeas, wheat, sorghum and even sunflowers in an effort to reduce cotton production after water shortages in 2019.
Community advocacy
Burnett touched the lives of many in the industry he dedicated everything to, and was a fierce advocate for farmers’ rights with numerous leadership positions.
Before AgForce was even established, Mr Burnett’s advocacy began with his involvement in the Queensland Grain Growers and the Cattleman’s Union, United Graziers Association.
When AgForce, the peak body representing Queensland beef, sheep, wool, and grain producers, first formed in 1999, Mr Burnett became involved with the organisation and went on to serve as vice-president before being elected General President in August 2012.
In his two years heading the rural lobby group, Mr Burnett was a voice for Queensland’s agricultural community at the highest levels.
Passion for the land
Mr Burnett spoke passionately about what drove him as a farmer, and that what he loved most about farming was “being able to produce good products, be a good guardian of the land and really take care of what we really cherish – and that’s the soils, the nutrients and really the whole ecology on the farm.
“We get great pleasure out of doing the best we can for that.” he said.
While he described his time as AgForce General President as “a good part of my life” that he really enjoyed, Mr Burnett said in 2019 that he had returned to focusing on what mattered most, his family’s farming operations and passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
The agricultural community is expected to rally around the Burnett family in the coming days as they mourn the devastating loss, with tributes to his memory already flowing in.
“This is a heartbreaking loss, and he will be deeply missed.” Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said.
“Ian was a genuinely good man, hardworking, community-minded, and always willing to lend a hand. He was deeply committed to agriculture and passionate about supporting his industry and community.” Ms Landry said.
“In regional communities like Emerald, people like Ian are the backbone,” she said.
“They are the ones who show up, who contribute, and who quietly make a difference every single day. My thoughts are with Ian’s family, friends, and all those who knew and respected him.”
“This is heartbreaking news for the Central Highlands,” Flynn MP Colin Boyce said.
“The loss of these lives will be felt right across the region. My thoughts are with the family, friends and local community at this difficult time.” he said.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing, with a report being prepared for the coroner.
