Ferns fan revitalisation of Mary Valley

A second economic development project is being established in the Mary Valley with Sunshine Coast firm Cedar Hill expanding its horticultural business.

Cedar Hill has signed a development lease with the Newman Government for a property at Riversdale Road, Kandanga, where it will grow native ferns for export around the world.

It has begun construction of a purpose-built shade house to facilitate production of the ferns, with the project expected to employ up to 17 people.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the deal was another shot in the arm for the revitalisation of the Mary Valley after its communities were torn apart by Labor’s failed Traveston Dam plan.

“In February we signed the first economic development deal with outdoor education specialist Higher Ground Group, and now I’m pleased to announce that my department has finalised with Cedar Hill a development lease with an option to purchase,” Mr Seeney said.

“The company plans to establish a new horticultural enterprise to commercially propagate and cultivate native ferns as a cut foliage product for the domestic and export markets.

“Cedar Hill has shown great initiative in developing a new method to artificially cultivate native ferns.

“The company expects to employ up to 17 staff at the Riversdale Road property and will work with the University of the Sunshine Coast to offer placements for students through an undergraduate and Honours research program.

“My department has worked with Cedar Hill to include performance milestones as a condition of the lease which must be carried out by the company.”

The Member for Gympie and Chair of the Mary Valley Economic Development Advisory Group David Gibson said having a second economic development project in place showed that the Newman Government was getting the Mary Valley back on track by boosting the local economy, supporting the community, and creating new jobs and productive enterprises.

“Several other exclusivity arrangements are currently in place and it’s expected more economic development proponents will be signing leases in coming months,” Mr Gibson said.

“And following the success of last month’s second Helmsman auction, and the appointment of a full-time Community Liaison Officer based in the department’s Mary Valley office, our strategy of revitalizing the Mary Valley is really starting to bear fruit.”

Twenty-six Mary Valley properties have now been sold at auction and through normal real estate processes, while three others are under contract.

To be part of the registration of interest process for economic development projects, visit www.maryvalleyproperty.com or call 13 QGOV (13 7468).

[ENDS] 13 April 2013

Media Contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516