Leanne Donaldson welcomed as new Queensland Ag Minister
Chief Executive Officer, Pat Hannan, said he was pleased to see a Member of Parliament from such an important horticultural region as Bundaberg elevated to the Cabinet.
“The Bundaberg region is an important food bowl growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices with a farm gate value of more than $500 million a year grown on some 16,500 ha. The industry is worth more than $1 billion to the local economy and is an important employer.
“Growcom is excited that Ms Donaldson, who has had the experience of representing such a major horticultural region in Parliament, will now have the opportunity to promote to Government the importance of the entire industry here in Queensland which is worth more than $2.75 billion farm gate value annually to the Queensland economy.
“We look forward to meeting Ms Donaldson at the earliest opportunity and discussing the major issues in our industry, including labour access, the rising input costs for labour, packaging, transportation and power; the challenges posed by biosecurity threats such as Panama disease and Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus; and the opportunities for managing farm business risk better in the face of recurrent natural disasters.
“We also look forward to working with the new Agriculture Minister and briefing her on Growcom’s very important and proactive role in production horticulture in helping to address best management practice and environmental issues through such self-regulatory programs as Hort360; delivering needed business training through our Women in Horticulture program; and promoting agricultural careers to young people through our Ag Inspiration program.”
Mr Hannan thanked outgoing Minister, the Hon. Bill Byrne for his engagement and support during his term and wished him well in his new portfolio as Police Minister.
For more information:
Chris Walker
Growcom
Tel: +61 07 3620 3844
Fax: +61 07 3620 3880
Email: cwalker@growcom.com.au
www.growcom.com.au