Bid to grow exports
A NEW study will drive jobs growth by focusing on Far North Queensland agricultural producers and exporters.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and Advance Cairns have commissioned the report, to be completed by KMPG agribusiness expert Robert Poole, to identify gaps in agricultural supply chains and examine opportunities for FNQ producers to enter new export markets.
It is expected the results of the 12-month Cairns region export supply chain study will assist regional planning for the Ports North Master Plan for the Cairns Marine Precinct; Cairns Airport aviation route development; Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils roads and infrastructure planning; and a Regional Export Distribution Centre business case for Cairns.
CRCNA chairwoman Sheriden Morris said the establishment of a long-term regional investment strategy was critical for the region’s producers.
“Robust supply chain systems which enable producers to access significant growth opportunities and maximise production to meet future international demand, is central to the future development of the north,” Ms Morris said.
“Advance Cairns has joined with Townsville Enterprise, Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), Central Queensland University and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to form the Northern Queensland Agricultural Supply Chain Alliance, while the CRCNA is progressing discussions with the stakeholders in the Northern Territory and Western Australia to undertake similar work in those jurisdictions.
“James Cook University and Charles Darwin University have also partnered to deliver a pan-northern examination of Northern Australia’s agricultural supply chains, with a focus on the cost of freight in the region.
“The end result of these projects will be an integrated plan to improve and enhance agricultural supply chains across Northern Australia, to the benefit of all producers and agribusinesses.”
The study will be overseen by a steering committee with representatives from Advance Cairns, Cairns Airport, Ports North, Air Freight Handling Services, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, JCU, FNQROC, Trade and Investment Queensland and FNQ Growers.
Advance Cairns chief executive Nick Trompf said the most exciting part of the project was in exploring opportunities for value-add processing before export. The final Cairns region export and supply chain study report is due to be completed by mid-2020.