Published Thursday, 07 June, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Honourable John McVeigh
Construction begins at Spyglass beef research station
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has awarded a $1.5 million contract to Bryant (Qld) Pty Ltd to build new offices and living quarters at Spyglass beef research station.
The station, 110 north of Charters Towers, covers 38,200 hectares and will play a key role in helping boost northern beef production.
Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said research would include long-term monitoring as well as education into best practice for beef cattle genetics, reproduction, nutrition, welfare, husbandry and grazing land management.
“The works are the first stage of a three-year plan to develop station infrastructure. Work will start this month and be completed by September,” Mr McVeigh said.
Lead contractor Bryant (Qld) Pty Ltd would build staff accommodation, an office building, quarters for visiting scientists and technical staff, as well as a utility shed and day use facility.
Bryant and its subcontractor are expected to hire nine indigenous labourers – about 30 per cent of the total construction crew.
“What’s pleasing is that this project will provide benefits, not only in terms of facilities for staff, but also much-needed employment for indigenous people,” Mr McVeigh said.
“The research that will be done at Spyglass will help producers from the paddock through to the farm gate.
“The Newman Government is committed to making agriculture one of the four pillars of Queensland’s economy and to double our food production by 2040.
“The most immediate production gains will come from existing farms and producers and this is why DAFF is getting back to delivering top quality research and front line officers.”
Bryant (Qld) Pty Ltd is a Cairns-based company with a track record of working with indigenous communities and employment agencies to deliver accommodation projects in logistically challenging locations throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Torres Strait.
[ENDS] 7 June 2012
Media Contact: Jacinta Cummins 0408 709 160
The station, 110 north of Charters Towers, covers 38,200 hectares and will play a key role in helping boost northern beef production.
Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said research would include long-term monitoring as well as education into best practice for beef cattle genetics, reproduction, nutrition, welfare, husbandry and grazing land management.
“The works are the first stage of a three-year plan to develop station infrastructure. Work will start this month and be completed by September,” Mr McVeigh said.
Lead contractor Bryant (Qld) Pty Ltd would build staff accommodation, an office building, quarters for visiting scientists and technical staff, as well as a utility shed and day use facility.
Bryant and its subcontractor are expected to hire nine indigenous labourers – about 30 per cent of the total construction crew.
“What’s pleasing is that this project will provide benefits, not only in terms of facilities for staff, but also much-needed employment for indigenous people,” Mr McVeigh said.
“The research that will be done at Spyglass will help producers from the paddock through to the farm gate.
“The Newman Government is committed to making agriculture one of the four pillars of Queensland’s economy and to double our food production by 2040.
“The most immediate production gains will come from existing farms and producers and this is why DAFF is getting back to delivering top quality research and front line officers.”
Bryant (Qld) Pty Ltd is a Cairns-based company with a track record of working with indigenous communities and employment agencies to deliver accommodation projects in logistically challenging locations throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Torres Strait.
[ENDS] 7 June 2012
Media Contact: Jacinta Cummins 0408 709 160