Agriculture Minister to open new digs

Cotton Australia, the peak industry body for Australia’s cotton producers, is set to unveil its new Queensland regional office in Toowoomba today.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner will officially open the new office when he meets with the Cotton Australia representatives for the first time this morning.

Mr Furner said it was terrific for local producers to have a voice close to home.

“Toowoomba is one of three regional offices for Cotton Australia and the only one that is in Queensland,” he said.

“Given how important the industry is to our agricultural economy, having the peak body within shouting distance of the majority of Queensland’s growers is fantastic.”

Mr Furner said cotton exports continue to deliver for Queensland’s economy.

“In 2016, 1.27 million bales of cotton were produced from 263 cotton farms in southern Queensland with a gross value of $760.4 million,” he said.

“Queensland is a world leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability for cotton production and we export raw cotton to spinning mills in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“The cotton that is produced in southern Queensland is some of the highest quality in the world and usually sells for a premium price to international markets.”

Cotton Australia General Manager, Michael Murray, said it would be a privilege to host Minister Furner to open the new office.

“The Minister’s attendance at the event is testament to the cotton industry’s significance within the state’s agriculture industry, and its value to the Queensland economy,” Mr Murray said.

“We look forward to discussing many issues with him topmost on the minds of cotton growers, including stamp duty on agricultural insurance, electricity tariff reform, and water issues.”

ENDS

CONTACT: Brock Taylor - 0427 018 178