Sheep industry, biosecurity, recreational fishers supported in State Budget

Queensland’s sheep industry, agricultural biosecurity and recreational fishing are winners out of Queensland’s 2020-21 State Budget.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Budget delivered on election commitments made during the recent election campaign.

“We have done well delivering the COVID-19 pandemic health response and now we are getting on with the job of delivering on our plan for economic recovery,” Mr Furner said.

“These Budget commitments will deliver for our state, ensuring we are growing our regions and keeping food and fibre production as a significant driver of our economy and jobs.”

The Budget included:

• $4 million for cluster fencing, continuing the return of the sheep industry to Queensland by keeping out wild dogs;
• $1.4 million in Biosecurity Grants, to equip local councils, industry groups and natural resource groups to prepare for and respond to biosecurity threats; and
• $1 million over the next four years for grants to recreational fishing organisations.

“The Budget’s investment in agriculture ensures one of the traditional backbones of the Queensland economy can grow, thrive and support jobs essential to Queensland’s COVID-19 economic recovery,” Mr Furner said.   

“This is an additional $5.4 million locked into the Budget for protection for farmers from invasive animals, pests and biosecurity threats, and it will include wild dog fencing,” Mr Furner said.    

“Our primary producers have been front of mind for Government through drought, floods, and now the COVID-19 economic recovery.  

“We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our farmers to help them get on with business and support employment, and we’re not stopping now.”  

Mr Furner said recreational fishing groups could now apply for a share of $250,000 per year over the next four years.

“We said we would boost our support for recreational fishing groups by a quarter and this Budget delivers on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment for the 2020-21 Budget and we will retain that level for a four-year period,” Mr Furner said.

“This program will cast for activities and projects to enhance sustainable recreational fishing in Queensland.

“The program is particularly interested in applications that contribute to the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy target to increase the satisfaction of recreational fishers,” Mr Furner said.  

 “Over four years, we’ll be investing $1 million in Recreational Fishing Grants to support learn-to-fish clinics, recreational club activities, restocking and research assistance.”

ENDS  

Media contact: Ron Goodman 0427 781 920