RURAL PROJECTS GAINING RESULTS FOR THE BUSH
Published Friday, 05 October, 2007 at 04:20 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Increased exports, new science precincts, pest prevention and enhanced farm productivity are just some of the benefits from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Blueprint for the Bush projects.
Speaking at today’s Ministerial Regional Community Forum in Mareeba, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said DPI&Fs’ Blueprint projects were benefiting rural businesses and communities.
“The $1.5 million Asian Markets for Horticulture Initiative has boosted citrus exports into China over the past year by overcoming strict quarantine barriers, and giving the horticulture industry a foot in the door to this market,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The Property Management Systems Initiative is another Blueprint project maximising on-farm profitability through best management practices and sustainable use of our natural resources.
“We’ve already approved six PMSI projects in dairy, nursery and gardens, fruit and vegetables, grains and two in sugarcane, and appointed officers to support implementation and are negotiating more projects.
“Sustainability is the key to our projects’ success, so we are implementing smart strategies to meet the challenges of drought, pest and disease facing primary producers and landholders.
“A key initiative has been the $21.3 million investment in a new Centre for Advanced Animal Science under construction for completion in 2008 at the University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus.
“This new world-class facility will allow our scientists to improve livestock productivity and respond to animal disease incursions to maintain Queensland’s reputation for quality livestock products.
“Biosecurity is a major priority for the Department and will be further supported in regional communities through $11 million over three years to improve management of high priority weeds and pest animals to protect industry sustainability.
“This Pest Offensive initiative includes 48 projects aimed at reducing six emerging weed threats, controlling woody weeds, improving the management of wild dogs and feral pigs, reducing the spread of weed seeds, and improving pest management in several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.
“Funding has been allocated to eight Regional Natural Resource Management bodies, 19 local governments including Aboriginal local governments and Torres Shire Council, as well as industry and state agency projects.”
The Blueprint for the Bush Annual Report will be launched at the Ministerial Forum today.
Media: 32396530
Speaking at today’s Ministerial Regional Community Forum in Mareeba, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said DPI&Fs’ Blueprint projects were benefiting rural businesses and communities.
“The $1.5 million Asian Markets for Horticulture Initiative has boosted citrus exports into China over the past year by overcoming strict quarantine barriers, and giving the horticulture industry a foot in the door to this market,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The Property Management Systems Initiative is another Blueprint project maximising on-farm profitability through best management practices and sustainable use of our natural resources.
“We’ve already approved six PMSI projects in dairy, nursery and gardens, fruit and vegetables, grains and two in sugarcane, and appointed officers to support implementation and are negotiating more projects.
“Sustainability is the key to our projects’ success, so we are implementing smart strategies to meet the challenges of drought, pest and disease facing primary producers and landholders.
“A key initiative has been the $21.3 million investment in a new Centre for Advanced Animal Science under construction for completion in 2008 at the University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus.
“This new world-class facility will allow our scientists to improve livestock productivity and respond to animal disease incursions to maintain Queensland’s reputation for quality livestock products.
“Biosecurity is a major priority for the Department and will be further supported in regional communities through $11 million over three years to improve management of high priority weeds and pest animals to protect industry sustainability.
“This Pest Offensive initiative includes 48 projects aimed at reducing six emerging weed threats, controlling woody weeds, improving the management of wild dogs and feral pigs, reducing the spread of weed seeds, and improving pest management in several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.
“Funding has been allocated to eight Regional Natural Resource Management bodies, 19 local governments including Aboriginal local governments and Torres Shire Council, as well as industry and state agency projects.”
The Blueprint for the Bush Annual Report will be launched at the Ministerial Forum today.
Media: 32396530