Palaszczuk beefs up commitment to our graziers

THE Palaszczuk Government is a proud supporter of Beef Week 2018 and is ready to play an integral role as Rockhampton welcomes about 90,000 visitors to Australia’s premier agricultural exhibition from May 6 to May 12.

As Queensland’s Agriculture Minister I fully appreciate the contribution our graziers make to the state’s economy and I want to ensure the government does all it can to help them succeed and prosper.

The Beef Expo is an ideal chance to promote Queensland’s world class beef – that’s why the government has doubled its in- kind and cash support to $ 1 million this year.

The Department of Agriculture will provide event biosecurity, advice for exporters, property tours, a series of seminars and profile the cuttingedge research the government uses to assist our producers.

But the government’s commitment to the beef industry goes much deeper than that.

Our $ 518 million Advance Queensland initiative is supporting scientific advances with real- world applications to strengthen the sector while government scientists assist producers to better understand the land and climate to help them manage drought, floods and cyclones.

And our latest biosecurity strategy will further strengthen Queensland’s position as a world leader in food safety, an essential element in securing new markets overseas.

I have every confidence that the Palaszczuk Government’s contribution will help the industry to continue to grow in terms of production volume and income generated.

I can’t wait for Beef Week 2018 and the chance to engage with international visitors to promote Queensland beef and the graziers who produce it.

MARK FURNER, Agriculture Minister.