Live cattle exports surge in first year of Palaszczuk Government

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson today pledged to continue promoting North Queensland’s produce to overseas markets noting an impressive surge in live cattle exports through Townsville during the Palaszczuk Government’s first year.

Visiting the Port of Townsville on a tour of the northern agriculture supply chain, Minister Donaldson said she was optimistic for the industry and keen to support exporters seeking new markets.

“My first visit to North Queensland as a minister has been a paddock to port tour and an opportunity to see how the live cattle trade in particular is supporting jobs in the region,” the Minister said.

“It is very encouraging that during the 2015 calendar year, the Port of Townsville saw a 16% increase in live cattle export volumes.

“The 305,723 head of cattle that went through the port were worth well in excess of $200 million and that’s a great boost to the northern economy.”

Minister Donaldson said her predecessor as Agriculture Minister, Bill Byrne, undertook trade missions to Indonesia and China last year to forge new markets for cattle exports and she would continue to work hard to support graziers.

“About 55% of live cattle exports last year through Townsville went to Indonesia. Vietnam is another important market,” the Minister said.

“It is clear that the port is playing a key role in connecting agriculture to potential and existing customers.

“It remains one of the primary export hubs for processed sugar on the east coast, and there is enormous potential to grow exports of other food and fibre products.

“Queensland produce has a peerless reputation for quality and safety and that is recognised throughout the Asia region.”

Minister Donaldson said live cattle export volumes from Queensland reached a record in 2015 and wanted the momentum to continue although she recognised that the figures had been influenced by producers destocking in response to the drought.

“I have met with producers from across the supply chain who share the common goal of growing North Queensland’s already significant agricultural sector and I want to be part of that vision,” the Minister said.

“I have also seen first-hand the significant investment the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is making in research and development to drive innovation across the agricultural sector.”

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