The Queensland Government has provided another budget for agriculture and fisheries that improves Queensland’s biosecurity, preserves sustainable fisheries, and provides more jobs for Queenslanders.
“Queenslanders know that it is our agricultural sector that helps keeps our economy strong, and this budget continues to deliver for those in the primary production sector across our State,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“The fundamentals of the agricultural sector remain strong because of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to agriculture and fisheries in Queensland,” Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick stated.
The Drought Assistance and Reform Package, which contains up to $48.5 million in programs and grants over three years and $100 million in loans over two years, is included in the budget.
“The Palaszczuk Government is doing the heavy lifting on biosecurity to ensure we protect our crops, livestock, environment, and jobs in the agriculture sector,” Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fishers and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said.
According to the State Government, biosecurity remains its key priority, with more than $21.7 million in investment over five years and $2.8 million per year after that to combat present and developing plant pests and diseases.
This is in addition to the previously announced $22 million over five years and $2.5 million every year thereafter to address rising animal biosecurity risks.
“The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to support Queensland’s primary producers to produce the best food and fibre in the world with another bumper ag budget,” Minister Furner stated.
The Palaszczuk Government said it created 15 new jobs at Biosecurity Queensland to detect and manage biosecurity concerns, safeguarding Queensland’s food and fibre.
The budget supports the continuation of the Queensland Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap 2022-2032, which assists primary producers and agribusinesses along the supply chain in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Increased funding of $11.7 million over three years will continue the execution of the State Government’s Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027, conserving Queensland fisheries.
Additionally, the Rural Economic Development (RED) Grants program will be extended in the future, with $3.3 million pledged.
“The Palaszczuk Government is continuing our strong investment in rural and regional Queensland, with the RED Grants program to return once more to help primary producers and agribusinesses invest in their futures,” Minister Furner said.
So far, the Palaszczuk Government has used $12 million in co-contribution RED Grants to help improve primary industries and rural areas, developing more than 2,500 jobs for Queenslanders.
According to the State Government, the safety of people visiting Queensland beaches remains a top priority, with a $9.2 million commitment over five years and $3 million per year of continuous support for the Shark Control Program.
This investment will fund more studies into ways to keep swimmers safe while also safeguarding marine species, with technological trials such as the use of drones ongoing.
Over four years, almost $61 million will be committed to ensure Queensland continues to play its role in the crucial National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program.
Funding for the treatment of fire ants had to be advanced from previous budgets, and discussions on future funding for the eradication with national cost-share partners are still underway.
“We’re investing heavily in supporting the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program and boosting job numbers on the front lines of protecting biosecurity,” Minister Furner added.
