Published Monday, 28 May, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
QUEENSLAND LIFESTYLE HORTICULTURE TO BLOOM IN SINGAPORE
Queensland’s lifestyle horticulture industry will receive a much-needed boost from a 12-month partnership agreement with Singapore, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said today.
Mr Mulherin said the Memorandum of Collaboration signed by the Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture (ACLH) and Singapore’s Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology, National Parks Board (NParks) offered many opportunities for the local industry.
“The agreement includes promotion of trade and investment in lifestyle horticulture products and services, which includes our nursery, landscaping, turf grass, and irrigation sectors,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Horticulture training sectors will also benefit from mutual recognition in the areas of training, certification and accreditation to increase workforce skills.
“This agreement is great news for our lifestyle horticulture industry, which has been hit hard by a 35% decline in household spending on plants due to the drought.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has worked hard to assist industry secure the agreement, including hosting an NParks delegation to Queensland and organising a trade mission to Singapore last year.
“Many Queensland businesses have already benefited from our growing relationship with NParks such as invitations to tender for work in training, management advice and certification programs.”
ACLH Executive Officer Kirsteen Macdougall travelled to Singapore for the signing of the agreement and said Queensland was well-recognised for its competitive advantages in lifestyle horticulture.
“Queensland has a solid reputation for high-quality and disease-free products, and delivery of professional services,” she said.
“Our proximity to Asia and extended growing season for plants, turf grass and cut flowers gives Queensland businesses a significant advantage in the Singapore market.
“ACLH is currently developing an Export Plan that will capitalise on these advantages to open up further international markets, with the new agreement with Singapore featuring as a key component of the strategy.”
The Memorandum of Collaboration will be for 12 months, with the option of a further 12 months.
Media: 32396530
Mr Mulherin said the Memorandum of Collaboration signed by the Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture (ACLH) and Singapore’s Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology, National Parks Board (NParks) offered many opportunities for the local industry.
“The agreement includes promotion of trade and investment in lifestyle horticulture products and services, which includes our nursery, landscaping, turf grass, and irrigation sectors,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Horticulture training sectors will also benefit from mutual recognition in the areas of training, certification and accreditation to increase workforce skills.
“This agreement is great news for our lifestyle horticulture industry, which has been hit hard by a 35% decline in household spending on plants due to the drought.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has worked hard to assist industry secure the agreement, including hosting an NParks delegation to Queensland and organising a trade mission to Singapore last year.
“Many Queensland businesses have already benefited from our growing relationship with NParks such as invitations to tender for work in training, management advice and certification programs.”
ACLH Executive Officer Kirsteen Macdougall travelled to Singapore for the signing of the agreement and said Queensland was well-recognised for its competitive advantages in lifestyle horticulture.
“Queensland has a solid reputation for high-quality and disease-free products, and delivery of professional services,” she said.
“Our proximity to Asia and extended growing season for plants, turf grass and cut flowers gives Queensland businesses a significant advantage in the Singapore market.
“ACLH is currently developing an Export Plan that will capitalise on these advantages to open up further international markets, with the new agreement with Singapore featuring as a key component of the strategy.”
The Memorandum of Collaboration will be for 12 months, with the option of a further 12 months.
Media: 32396530