Get your taste-buds jumping this Christmas with goodies produced in North Queensland
Published Tuesday, 18 December, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
North Queensland abounds with top quality locally-produced food and wine – perfect for Christmas lunch or to take a plate while visiting family and friends.
Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle is urging Queenslanders to support our local producers and choose Queensland-made food and wine this Christmas.
“Queenslanders need look no further than their own backyard to find everything they need to indulge their family and friends – and themselves – this Christmas,” Ms Boyle said.
“Queensland-produced food and wine is among the best in the world.
“Although Queensland has traditionally been known for its meat products and sugar, our value-added foods are rapidly gaining a worldwide reputation for quality.
“Food and wine tourism too is a real growth area for both domestic and international visitors, offering tremendous opportunities to boost the regions.
“In addition to the North’s well-earned reputation for its tropical fruits for example, the region is also home to some of Australia’s finest seafood and fruit-based wines.”
The Queensland Government helps local businesses to promote their products and grow their businesses through workshops, grants and by helping them to showcase their products at exhibitions.
The following businesses have previously receives some form of Queensland Government assistance:
o Seafarmers have everything from Barramundi to redclaw crayfish, prawns and salmon caviar.
o Jervoise Meats established the North’s first organic abattoir at Tully in 2004 and supplies the processing plant with beasts from their own organic beef property "Jervoise Station" several hours inland at Greenvale. Its products include gourmet, gluten-free and preservative-free organic sausages.
o Bestlan Group of Companies has recently extended its range of processed dried fruits, fruit purees and pulps to include fruit pastes - great for topping off a pavlova or adding natural flavour to ice cream.
Ms Boyle, who is also responsible for Wine Industry development, said the North was converting its natural advantages in tropical fruits to develop a quality alternative to grape wines - fruit wines.
She encouraged people to try a local drop over the festive season.
“Mission Beach’s Paradise Estate Wines, for example, is home to Australia’s first winery to specialise in gourmet banana wine,” Ms Boyle said.
“The family-owned company has researched and developed a range of gourmet tropical wines based on the exotic fruits of the region.
“The winery’s cellar door is open to the public seven days a week – so take the time to stop by Paradise Estate and add a tropical twist to your Christmas banquet.”
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007
18 December 2007
Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle is urging Queenslanders to support our local producers and choose Queensland-made food and wine this Christmas.
“Queenslanders need look no further than their own backyard to find everything they need to indulge their family and friends – and themselves – this Christmas,” Ms Boyle said.
“Queensland-produced food and wine is among the best in the world.
“Although Queensland has traditionally been known for its meat products and sugar, our value-added foods are rapidly gaining a worldwide reputation for quality.
“Food and wine tourism too is a real growth area for both domestic and international visitors, offering tremendous opportunities to boost the regions.
“In addition to the North’s well-earned reputation for its tropical fruits for example, the region is also home to some of Australia’s finest seafood and fruit-based wines.”
The Queensland Government helps local businesses to promote their products and grow their businesses through workshops, grants and by helping them to showcase their products at exhibitions.
The following businesses have previously receives some form of Queensland Government assistance:
o Seafarmers have everything from Barramundi to redclaw crayfish, prawns and salmon caviar.
o Jervoise Meats established the North’s first organic abattoir at Tully in 2004 and supplies the processing plant with beasts from their own organic beef property "Jervoise Station" several hours inland at Greenvale. Its products include gourmet, gluten-free and preservative-free organic sausages.
o Bestlan Group of Companies has recently extended its range of processed dried fruits, fruit purees and pulps to include fruit pastes - great for topping off a pavlova or adding natural flavour to ice cream.
Ms Boyle, who is also responsible for Wine Industry development, said the North was converting its natural advantages in tropical fruits to develop a quality alternative to grape wines - fruit wines.
She encouraged people to try a local drop over the festive season.
“Mission Beach’s Paradise Estate Wines, for example, is home to Australia’s first winery to specialise in gourmet banana wine,” Ms Boyle said.
“The family-owned company has researched and developed a range of gourmet tropical wines based on the exotic fruits of the region.
“The winery’s cellar door is open to the public seven days a week – so take the time to stop by Paradise Estate and add a tropical twist to your Christmas banquet.”
Ends
Media contact: 3224 2007
18 December 2007