Published Friday, 04 May, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
COMMENT SOUGHT ON FITZROY AGRICULTURAL CORRIDOR PROPOSAL
4 May 2007
Joint statement
More than 200 jobs and a net economic benefit of approximately $55.9 million dollars could be realised if the Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study’s proposed Agricultural Corridor is developed, an independent study has found, Acting Premier AND Treasurer Anna Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh said the Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study (FIIS) proposed an Agricultural corridor extending from near Gogango to Ridgelands along the lower Fitzroy River.
“The proposal has a focus on intensive livestock operations (predominantly cattle feedlots) enabling the region to grow its reputation for delivering premium beef. The state’s beef exports currently contribute $2.8 billion to the state’s economy.”
“We are now opening up the proposal, which also requires private sector investment, for a community consultation phase before the Queensland Government makes its decision to go ahead or not.
“We are inviting the community to have their say from today to 1 June 2007 with the study results and related information available on the Queensland Government’s website at www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au/fiis .
Member for Rockhampton, Minister for Public Works Robert Schwarten said that private sector investment in the proposed development direction would cement Rockhampton as the beef capital.
“This would play a role in ensuring the future of the region’s beef processing plants. The flow on benefits for the local economy are significant, Mr Schwarten said.
Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce said that the FIIS was an example of state, local Government and industry working together to ensure the ongoing growth of the area and providing strategic support to the states industry.
Local Councils – Rockhampton, Fitzroy, and Livingstone will have information packs on the proposal available and project displays will be at the Rockhampton State Development Centre corner Bolsover and Fitzroy Street and the Rockhampton Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries conference facility at Parkhurst (corner Bruce Highway and Yeppoon Road).
Ms Bligh said the project’s future now depended on the outcome of industry and community feedback.
“The proposed development, needs private sector investment to occur but is aimed at creating the capacity for the relevant agricultural industries ongoing growth as well as ensuring the regions and States economic future.
“This is a long-term project and will take 20 years to be completely established.”
Ms Bligh said the proposed Agricultural Corridor had the support of the local members, local councils, the Stanwell Corporation, Rockhampton Regional Development Limited and shared responsibility of a number of Queensland Government departments including: Department of Infrastructure, Primary Industries and Fisheries, and State Development.
“An advantage of the corridor is that it is ideally situated close to cattle and grain supplies and processing facilities.
“While the corridor, in the first instance, is expected to develop with cattle feedlots, in the longer term the corridor may also house piggeries and horticulture operations.”
The Deputy Premier said that there would be no compulsory acquisition of land and that there would be minimal impact on residents.
“We have had a number of specialists investigating the viability of the corridor in terms of animal welfare, environmental and economic impact and importantly human health impacts with positive results.
“It is important to note that developments that might arise from this proposal, must adhere to the normal development approval processes,” she said.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900
Joint statement
More than 200 jobs and a net economic benefit of approximately $55.9 million dollars could be realised if the Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study’s proposed Agricultural Corridor is developed, an independent study has found, Acting Premier AND Treasurer Anna Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh said the Fitzroy Industry and Infrastructure Study (FIIS) proposed an Agricultural corridor extending from near Gogango to Ridgelands along the lower Fitzroy River.
“The proposal has a focus on intensive livestock operations (predominantly cattle feedlots) enabling the region to grow its reputation for delivering premium beef. The state’s beef exports currently contribute $2.8 billion to the state’s economy.”
“We are now opening up the proposal, which also requires private sector investment, for a community consultation phase before the Queensland Government makes its decision to go ahead or not.
“We are inviting the community to have their say from today to 1 June 2007 with the study results and related information available on the Queensland Government’s website at www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au/fiis .
Member for Rockhampton, Minister for Public Works Robert Schwarten said that private sector investment in the proposed development direction would cement Rockhampton as the beef capital.
“This would play a role in ensuring the future of the region’s beef processing plants. The flow on benefits for the local economy are significant, Mr Schwarten said.
Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce said that the FIIS was an example of state, local Government and industry working together to ensure the ongoing growth of the area and providing strategic support to the states industry.
Local Councils – Rockhampton, Fitzroy, and Livingstone will have information packs on the proposal available and project displays will be at the Rockhampton State Development Centre corner Bolsover and Fitzroy Street and the Rockhampton Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries conference facility at Parkhurst (corner Bruce Highway and Yeppoon Road).
Ms Bligh said the project’s future now depended on the outcome of industry and community feedback.
“The proposed development, needs private sector investment to occur but is aimed at creating the capacity for the relevant agricultural industries ongoing growth as well as ensuring the regions and States economic future.
“This is a long-term project and will take 20 years to be completely established.”
Ms Bligh said the proposed Agricultural Corridor had the support of the local members, local councils, the Stanwell Corporation, Rockhampton Regional Development Limited and shared responsibility of a number of Queensland Government departments including: Department of Infrastructure, Primary Industries and Fisheries, and State Development.
“An advantage of the corridor is that it is ideally situated close to cattle and grain supplies and processing facilities.
“While the corridor, in the first instance, is expected to develop with cattle feedlots, in the longer term the corridor may also house piggeries and horticulture operations.”
The Deputy Premier said that there would be no compulsory acquisition of land and that there would be minimal impact on residents.
“We have had a number of specialists investigating the viability of the corridor in terms of animal welfare, environmental and economic impact and importantly human health impacts with positive results.
“It is important to note that developments that might arise from this proposal, must adhere to the normal development approval processes,” she said.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900