Funding for flower industry

AUSTRALIA’S flower and foliage industry is set to bloom, receiving a grant under the Coalition Government’s $5 million Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.

The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said a national consortium led by the Flower Association of Queensland would receive $171,963 in funding to support the development of industry leaders into the future.

“The Coalition Government is investing in the next generation of leaders in the flower industry to help drive future growth,” Ms Ruston said.

“Cut flower production was worth around $317 million in 2015–16 and this funding will help develop and expand leadership capacity and expertise in the industry, taking it a cut above the rest.

“It will also help grow links and strengthen the relationship between the consortium members – the Australian Flower Council, the Flower Growers Group of New South Wales Inc, Flowers Victoria and Wildflowers Australia Ltd.

“This is an important opportunity to take the industry forward, bringing the Australian cut flower and foliage industry together to champion their overall priorities.

“The grant will fund a leadership training package for consortium board members covering governance, financial management, strategy development and risk management.

“There will be a national leadership event for next generation leaders and follow-up mentoring, along with online information tools including a dedicated leadership web page to improve industry communication nationally.

“This is an important investment in the future of the industry and will help the sector get its voice heard by governments and policy makers.”