Primary producers across Bundaberg and the Burnett came together on Tuesday 27 May to help shape the future of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and biosecurity in Queensland for the next 25-years and be part of the largest strategic collaboration between the Government and industry in at least a decade.
Following a forum in Brisbane on 26 February, a draft blueprint, “Primary Industries Prosper 2050” is now touring the State with a face-to-face consultation session at the Bundaberg Multiplex.
Farmers, graziers, fishers, forestry workers, truck drivers and anyone connected to primary industries can contribute to the plan via this consultation forum or online.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering A Fresh Start for Queensland’s primary industries and is committed to boosting the State’s agricultural output to $30 billion by 2030.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said it’s an ambitious goal but one everyone can play a role in achieving.
“We need to work with the industry to return the sector to full profitability after decades of neglect under various Labor governments that took advantage of our food, fibre and foliage industries,” he said.
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said the blueprint would drive future investment, create jobs, and unlock opportunities for agribusiness.
“We’re making sure our local primary producers and industry representatives have their say on the blueprint draft,” he said.
“For too long, Labor neglected our local agriculture, fishing and forestry industries, failing to provide the certainty needed for future growth and investment.
“The blueprint is our map to a better future for Queensland’s primary industries and now is time for the Bundaberg and the Burnett to help shape that future.”
Agforce chief executive officer Mike Guerin on the launch of the 25–year blueprint said Queensland was Australia’s largest agricultural state and some of its best leaders gave their time to be in the room for an important conversation.
“We have a new government with a lot of energy, and a whole of government approach to one of the most important industries for Queensland.” he said.
“I’d like to say to every Queenslander, agriculture is an industry you can be incredibly proud of and one that has spent some time since the new government came into power late last year, thinking carefully about its future.”
David Bobberman executive officer from Queensland Seafood industry association said “[fishing industry] is so grateful that the new Crisafulli Government has taken this great imitative.
“We are totally supportive of it, we think it is long overdue”.
“This is a great opportunity for all primary producers in Queensland, particularly the commercial fishing sector.
“We’ve been just hammered because of lack of support by Government and it’s so encouraging to see the new Crisafulli government supportive of primary industries and every industry in that portfolio.”
Mick Stephens, CEO of Timber Queensland said that Timber Queensland as the peak industry body is really pleased to be part of the blueprint.
“We are really encouraged by the blueprint. It’s really a beacon for the industry and what we like about it is that it is all encompassing for the primary industries,” he said.
“What we need in the timber industry is policy certainty and we are really encouraged to work with the government on those settings that would provide that.”
