The Queensland Government will invest $408 million in primary industries to deliver on its commitment to build a brighter future for one of the state’s four economic pillars and nurture Queensland economy, Treasurer Tim Nicholls said in a media statement.
“While the economy is growing, we must also act to reduce debt so we can sustainably invest in our major industries, like agriculture. This budget delivers a plan to do just that,” he said.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the Government recoginsed the challenges facing the industry and was supporting areas than it identified as vulnerable.
“Undoubtedly, the greatest threat is the prolonged drought across much of the state,” he said.
“The State Government is responding with a package that includes water and freight rebates, land rent relief, financial counselling, community resilience building strategies and mental health support for producers and communities.”
According to him the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is contributing $18.7 million to the drought assistance package in 2014-15, on top of the more than $30 million spent in 2013-14.
“The department will also tackle the spread of pests and weeds in drought-affected areas through combined research and control management action,” he said.
“We will safeguard Queensland’s substantial livestock industries in the longer term through a $2.5 million investment over three years to boost Queensland’s foot and mouth disease preparedness, focusing on surveillance, prevention and response.”
Mr McVeigh said the Government was also looking to the future with a $55 million investment in agricultural research, development and extension (RD&E), with $4.05 million allocated to Sugar Research Australia, $6.9 million to the partnership with the University of Queensland in the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation and $2.7 million to the Queensland University of Technology for agriculture robotics and tropical pulse research.
“That investment will help to increase the productivity, profitability and international competitiveness of Queensland’s agricultural industries,” he said.
“We’ve set aside $15 million over five years, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, for programs and services to assist producers across reef catchments. This year we also have a capital works program of more than $18 million with a focus on upgrading research and operational facilities.”
According to him, DAFF will also invest in developing more online tools in 2014-15 to allow industry, planners and investors to take best advantage of the Queensland Land Audit which is identifying land that’s important for current or future agricultural production, as well as in the expansion in the proposed Northern Australia collaborative research initiative in partnership with other jurisdictions, CSIRO and universities.
“We’re also investing in opportunities to maximise irrigated cropping and support growth of high value agriculture in the Flinders and Gilbert river catchments in North Queensland,” he said.
“This is all part of this Government’s strong plan for a brighter future, and growing agriculture as one of the state’s four pillars.”
