Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is urging the local agricultural sector to have their say on the future of the sector either in person or at an upcoming information session or online.

A key part of the Crisafulli government’s target to increase the state’s primary industries production to $30 Billion by 2030, the consultation process is focussed on ensuring primary industries thrive and prosper.

“What we have seen over the past 10 years is immense changes forced upon primary industry but very little consultation,” Mr Last said.  “The opportunities available for primary industry are almost endless but, in order to make those opportunities a reality, we need to take advantage of the knowledge and experience that our primary producers have.”

“By working with industry, we not only return the sector to full profitability, we also create benefits across regional Queensland.  In addition to creating jobs, we want to drive future investment in primary industries and unlock opportunities for agribusiness.”

“Very few areas understand the flow-on effects of a successful primary industries sector better than the Burdekin.  That is what makes this consultation and the goal of boosting production so important.”

“The consultation process is the key step in ensuring we have a practical plan to achieve our targets.  Unlike previous governments who tried to tell industry what to do, we are taking advantage of the collective knowledge of the people who live, work and breathe primary industries.”

Mr Last said that the goal of increasing production was one step towards a far more ambitious, long-term plan for the sector that he described as the backbone for much of regional Queensland.

“This process is the largest collaboration between government and industry for at least a decade and there is a very good reason for that,” he said.  “For too long we have seen Queensland’s primary industries portrayed negatively but the reality is we have an industry to be proud of and an industry that is vital when it comes to feeding and clothing people throughout Australia and around the world.”

“By the end of this process we will have an informed and reliable plan to achieve the 5-year goal and to drive primary industries for the next 25 years through until 2050.  We will have a plan to tackle biosecurity and other challenges while we also embrace and adapt to technologies that provide better outcomes for producers, for communities and for the state as a whole.”

“Groups like AgForce, Timber Queensland and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, among others, have welcomed the consultation and the commitment to both short and long-term plans but those plans mean little if the people who actually produce the food, fibre and foliage are left out of the process.”

“We want primary industries across the state to flourish so we are seeking consultation from Weipa in the North to Mount Isa in the west and all the way to the Queensland NSW border, including in Townsville on May 26th.  We also recognise that not everyone will be able to attend a face-to-face session so there’s also the option to provide feedback online.”

“From farmers to graziers, fisherman and truck drivers, everyone is welcome to have their say.  All of the details are available via the DRI engagement hub and consultation closes on June 9th.”