Published Thursday, 16 October, 2008 at 09:00 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
CQ & Wide Bay feature at 2008 Premier of Qld’s Export Awards
Premier Anna Bligh has praised the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions as some of Queensland’s most productive areas for export businesses following the success of local competitors for the State’s top exporting honours.
Ms Bligh said that Rockhampton and Wide Bay-based export businesses Queensland Magnesia, Hervey Bay Whale Watch, and the Fraser Island Company had all achieved significant exporting success in the past year, and had received recognition in the list of winners and finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards announced tonight (16 October).
“Rockhampton’s Queensland Magnesia (QMAG)has returned to the Export Award winners’ podium in the Minerals and Energy category after winning the same award in 1995 when they also went on to win Queensland Exporter of the Year,” Ms Bligh said.
“QMAG mines magnesite at Kunwarara, 70km north of Rockhampton, which is then transported to Rockhampton and processed to make magnesia. It is the only company in the world to supply three types of magnesia and export them globally for use in a wide range of industrial, chemical and agricultural industries.
“The company increased export volumes by 25% in the past 12 months, and experienced growth of 22% on average over the past 6 years. Exporting contributed 76% of total company revenue last financial year.
“A $42 million expansion of QMAG production facilities will increase production by 50% and this will also mean workforce expansion to accommodate increased output.
“On behalf of Queenslanders, I wish Queensland Magnesia every success as the company moves on to compete in the national export awards again in 2008,” she said.
Minister for Trade John Mickel congratulated Hervey Bay Whale Watch and the Fraser Island Company which were both named as finalists in the Sports, Events and Tourism category.
“The Fraser Island Company is an advanced, eco-accredited, 364-days-a-year tour company and resort operator. It employs 66 people and conducts a range of unique touring safaris to World Heritage listed Fraser Island from Hervey Bay. It also owns Fraser Island Backpackers on 75 Mile Beach and Frasers campground at Cathedral Beach.
“Hervey Bay Whale Watch, established in 1987 was a pioneer in the now world-famous Queensland whale watching tourism industry and is Australia’s most awarded whale watch company with 22 awards to its credit. The company employs 18 people including Hervey Bay’s first female whale watch skipper.
“These companies are providing a significant number of jobs for Wide Bay workers, and contributing significantly to the region’s valuable tourism industry as well as its overall culture and economy.
“I congratulate the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions, and especially these three successful local exporting businesses on their achievement in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, and encourage all local and regional firms to investigate the benefits of exporting to support their business growth,” Mr Mickel said.
Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Ms Bligh said that Rockhampton and Wide Bay-based export businesses Queensland Magnesia, Hervey Bay Whale Watch, and the Fraser Island Company had all achieved significant exporting success in the past year, and had received recognition in the list of winners and finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards announced tonight (16 October).
“Rockhampton’s Queensland Magnesia (QMAG)has returned to the Export Award winners’ podium in the Minerals and Energy category after winning the same award in 1995 when they also went on to win Queensland Exporter of the Year,” Ms Bligh said.
“QMAG mines magnesite at Kunwarara, 70km north of Rockhampton, which is then transported to Rockhampton and processed to make magnesia. It is the only company in the world to supply three types of magnesia and export them globally for use in a wide range of industrial, chemical and agricultural industries.
“The company increased export volumes by 25% in the past 12 months, and experienced growth of 22% on average over the past 6 years. Exporting contributed 76% of total company revenue last financial year.
“A $42 million expansion of QMAG production facilities will increase production by 50% and this will also mean workforce expansion to accommodate increased output.
“On behalf of Queenslanders, I wish Queensland Magnesia every success as the company moves on to compete in the national export awards again in 2008,” she said.
Minister for Trade John Mickel congratulated Hervey Bay Whale Watch and the Fraser Island Company which were both named as finalists in the Sports, Events and Tourism category.
“The Fraser Island Company is an advanced, eco-accredited, 364-days-a-year tour company and resort operator. It employs 66 people and conducts a range of unique touring safaris to World Heritage listed Fraser Island from Hervey Bay. It also owns Fraser Island Backpackers on 75 Mile Beach and Frasers campground at Cathedral Beach.
“Hervey Bay Whale Watch, established in 1987 was a pioneer in the now world-famous Queensland whale watching tourism industry and is Australia’s most awarded whale watch company with 22 awards to its credit. The company employs 18 people including Hervey Bay’s first female whale watch skipper.
“These companies are providing a significant number of jobs for Wide Bay workers, and contributing significantly to the region’s valuable tourism industry as well as its overall culture and economy.
“I congratulate the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions, and especially these three successful local exporting businesses on their achievement in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, and encourage all local and regional firms to investigate the benefits of exporting to support their business growth,” Mr Mickel said.
Premier’s Office: 3224 4500