Queensland committed to agricultural research and development

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $18.1 million in capital outlays as well as delivering an action plan for the future of Queensland’s agriculture and food research, development and extension (RD&E).

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Economic Development, Bill Byrne said the investment will deliver outcomes for agriculture biosecurity, fisheries and forestry.

“Part of the package will deliver $4.5 million to continue important upgrades to the department’s research and operational facilities,” the Minister said.

“Upgrades to the facilities will enable the department to deliver a range of products which will grow regional economics and increase Queensland’s horticultural exports.

“One of the projects that will benefit from the funding is the $16.5 million Small Tree High Productivity initiative, a joint project with Horticulture Innovation Australia, which focusses on how avocado, macadamia and mango trees are grown and managed and will be undertaken at three departmental facilities.

“The Bovine Repronomics Project will also benefit from the Palaszczuk Government’s capital investment program as research will be undertaken at two locations in Queensland.

“This project focusses on collecting critical phenotypic and genotypic data on Queensland’s most important beef breeds, including head-to-head breed comparisons, which will underpin the continuing genetic improvement of these breeds into the future.”

Minister Byrne said $1.5 million would be allocated to provide new and replacement heavy plant and equipment including trucks, tractors, and other machinery.

“Vessels and marine equipment will also be upgraded for fisheries research and regulatory functions with an injection of $800 000,” Minister Byrne said.

Minister Byrne said the government was also focussed on the long-term with the release of a discussion paper to inform a 10-year roadmap which would deliver an action plan for the future of Queensland agriculture and food RD&E.

“We’re asking all interested members of the community to share their ideas on how we can continue to manage and grow opportunities within agriculture and food RD&E,” he said.

“The discussion paper showcases how the sector has changed significantly over the years, and the importance of responding to changing demands.

“Queensland is exceptionally good at predicting and responding to market trends due to our active involvement and investment in agricultural RD&E.”

The discussion paper outlines six key topics of focus for public feedback:

1. Strengths – identifying Queensland’s current agriculture and food RD&E strengths.
2. Challenges – preparing the agriculture and food sector for future challenges.
3. Opportunities – capitalising on opportunities for the agriculture and food sector.
4. Capability – ensuring access to appropriate resources for delivery of high quality agriculture and food RD&E.
5. Investment – maximising existing and new investments for RD&E in the Queensland agriculture and food sector.
6. Adoption – investing in and adopting RD&E outcomes and initiatives.

Minister Byrne was asking Queenslanders to share their ideas and concerns for the future of Queensland agriculture which would shape our action plan and future direction for the sector.

The 10-year Agriculture and Food RD&E Roadmap and Action Plan will be one of a number of industry roadmaps developed as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland initiative.

Consultation sessions will be held in Brisbane, Bowen, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald and Toowoomba. Community feedback on the discussion paper is open until 5pm, Friday 28 July 2017.

To view the discussion paper and submit your feedback or to register your interest in attending a consultation session visit www.qld.gov.au/agricultureroadmap

ENDS

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