Bush profiting from future focus of rural projects

Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said his department is helping producers with Blueprint for the Bush projects that focus on water efficiency, new export markets and innovative science.

Speaking at today’s Blueprint for the Bush Forum in Charters Towers, Mr Mulherin said prosperity and sustainability were the driving forces of industry success.

“In today’s changing environment, we are very conscious of the need to combine productivity with sustainable management of our natural resources,” Mr Mulherin said.

“This awareness has been translated into a number of DPI&F rural projects, such as the Property Management Systems Initiative which focuses on best practice management.

“Over the past year we have seen the appointment of officers to projects across the dairy, nursery and gardens, fruit and vegetables, grains and sugarcane sectors throughout Queensland.

“A key achievement was the implementation of farm management systems in a North Queensland nursery which led to a 300% improvement in water use efficiency.

“This was a great success story that will help nurseries who have battled the drought and are therefore looking for ways to adapt their practices.

“We’ve also seen the introduction of new techniques to get the most out of fertiliser and chemical use in the Burdekin and Isis areas thanks to a series of ASK GB company spray application workshops.

“Not only will these new farm management systems improve productivity, they will also benefit the environment through reduced run-off,” he said.

“Pest prevention has also been a key priority for the Department to protect industry sustainability, and has been significantly supported through the Pest Offensive initiative.

“We are investing $11 million in regional community projects to improve management of high priority weeds and pest animals.

“So far the initiative has helped establish clean down facilities to reduce weed spread in the Far North, Gin Gin and Emerald, as well as committed over $2 million to mitigate the impacts of wild dogs and feral pigs across Queensland.

“Woody weeds in strategic areas are also being targeted by the Pest Offensive. To date over 100,000 hectares of mesquite and 50,000 hectares of parkinsonia have been treated.

“Rural businesses have also benefited from the recent successes of the Asian Markets for Horticulture Initiative, which saw the export of Australian mangoes direct to China for the first time.

“To achieve market access we had to meet strict new quarantine requirements, which was possible due to the application of world-class science in post harvest handling and vapour heat treatment.

“To further build on these successes, DPI&F is reinvesting to broaden its scope to embrace a global marketplace across Queensland primary industries. Through these Blueprint for the Bush projects we are boosting rural industries and supporting accelerated growth now and into the future,” Mr Mulherin said.

Media: 3239 6530