Cattle research station investment boost

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson today hailed the Palaszczuk Government’s latest investment at the Spyglass Research Station which provides crucial support for North Queensland’s innovative and resilient beef industry.

Minister Donaldson today toured the animal research station, north of Charters Towers, where the latest infrastructure project will create a 300 megalitre dam.

“The previous Labor State Government had the foresight to buy and merge two cattle properties to establish a state-of-the-art research facility at Spyglass in 2011.

“Approximately $8.5 million has been invested since then on stock yards, water infrastructure, access roads, staff quarters, data connection and offices.

“The latest stage of the development, on which work will start next month, will create a large water storage dam in the north east of the 38,200 ha complex that currently has limited water available.

“Tenders are closing soon on the Mayne Dam project that will construct earth walls and two spillways so the dam can handle a one in 100-year flood,” the Minister said.

“Mayne Dam will provide a large and highly reliable storage reservoir with an estimated three-year supply.”

Minister Donaldson said the project, which will regenerate the equivalent of three full time jobs, is expected to be completed in May, depending on the wet season.

With a record 86.11 per cent of Queensland in drought, Minister Donaldson said the Spyglass Research Station’s work helped farmers to combat the dry conditions.

“As any producer in a drought-declared area would know, a cattle business is only as good as its grass, and Spyglass also hosts a range of feed base research including better pasture and legumes, grazing land management, fire management and the application of new technologies,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government remains committed to ensuring Spyglass stays at the frontline of the North Queensland beef industry’s research and development,” Minister Donaldson said.

“The establishment of this facility is no small feat, and I congratulate facility manager Stephen Anderson and his team who have made this happen.”

Minister Donaldson also praised Spyglass for its research into genetics, reproduction, nutrition, welfare and husbandry in consultation with Meat and Livestock Australia and northern beef producers.

“This includes a major five-year genetic research project exploring early-in-life female reproductive performance across three tropical beef breeds – Brahmans, Droughtmasters and Santa Gertrudis,” the Minister said.

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