QLD BUDGET 09-10: Funding targets primary industries
June 17, 2009
In a move to bolster the State’s primary industries, the Budget has allocated $300 million for Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) and the Office of Rural and Regional Communities.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin, says Budget allowances are getting the ball rolling on projects which are crucial to the Government’s ‘Fresh Approach’ plan.
The ‘Fresh Approach’ initiative aims to build a skilled agricultural workforce, implement a research and development investment strategy network, and modernise services.
To support the program, $15 million is being advanced for the infrastructure component of the strategy, in a bid to grow primary industries to a $34 billion industry by 2020.
"There’s $16.5 million in 2009-10 to kick off the 2020 Beef Plan," Mulherin says.
"2020 Beef includes the purchase of a new purpose-designed beef research property in North Queensland’s dry tropics, expected to carry 2000 breeders, which will be one of Australia’s peak location’s for projects to advance beef breeding.
"The beef industry is already worth $4.3 billion a year to our economy and employs more than 25,000 Queenslanders."
The Budget is also directing $2 million towards work on the new agri-science hub on the Atherton Tablelands, and is progressing planning on the new Plant Science Centre of Excellence in the Darling Downs.
"Another priority for the year ahead is planning for the new $13 million biosecurity laboratory facility at James Cook University in Townsville," Mulherin says.
"We will also see planning begin on development of the new Science and Training Precinct for Horticulture at the QPIF Bundaberg Research Station.
"$76 million has been budgeted for eradication of pests and weeds, emergency response, research, surveillance, and implementation of the Queensland Biosecurity Strategy and introduction of modernised biosecurity legislation."
The Queensland Farmers Federation and Agforce are getting $300,000 in joint funding over three years, to improve the capacity of rural industries to engage in regional planning initiatives state-wide.
Hardwood plantations will also be expanded in the area stretching from Kingaroy to Gayndah with an injection of $44.6 million in funding over seven years.
"The Government will also spend $7.5 million over three years for research and support to the forestry industry through genetic improvement and productivity," Mulherin says.