Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made a visit to the horticultural hub of Bundaberg as part of a Queensland tour. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Keith Pitt and Queensland Senator James McGrath, Turnbull visited macadamia, lychee and avocado farms.
Avocado grower Craig Van Rooyen's property was selected as a destination because of the modern techniques he is utilising in various areas. Mr Van Rooyen is working with the Central Queensland University (CQU) to develop and test drone technology which can sense flying foxes and parrots, then take to the air to deter them.
The technique is part the farm's multi-pronged pest control approach which also includes orchard lighting and netting.
The cutting-edge farming operation provided the ideal backdrop for Mr Turnbull to speak about Australia's need to establish a culture of innovation in all industries.
"Innovation is an important cultural shift in every industry," he said.
"There is no industry older than growing fruit and here you are doing that but using absolutely 21st century technology at the cutting edge to improve your productivity."
Mr Turnbull took a particular interest in the drip irrigation below the macadamia trees, congratulating Mr Van Rooyen on utilising techniques to maximise water efficiency.
Mr Van Rooyen, who is also a Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers director, described the visit as an honour and said he would take the opportunity to emphasise the need for improved foreign market access for horticulture crops.
"The Free Trade Agreements are fantastic but we do have an issue with market access.
"I believe there is massive potential if we can get past these access issues.
"For example with the lychees, the industry could double over the next few years if we had that access.''
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