Walker leaving growers role
ONE of the region’s most well known faces will step down after almost 15 years in the job, but not without first leaving with a bang.
Bowen Gumlu Growers Association president Carl Walker has announced 2020 will be his last year as president, stepping down to bring new blood into the organisation.
The association represents Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing region, producing domestic and export product of up to $460 million a year.
Mr Walker, who has been in the position since 2007, said it was not a decision he had taken lightly but believed that it was time to allow new talent to begin in the top job.
“It was with a very heavy heart that I announced my retirement as president because I love the role, I really do,” Mr Walker said.
“But unless I step down, no one will step up. I like to think I’ve done a good job but there’s always room for new blood and new ideas to come in. Nominations for the 2019-20 president role hasn’t happened yet, but I’m hoping that they will give me the extra year so that I can tie up loose ends and people can begin to step up and think about transitioning to the president role.”
Mr Walker said his time in the job had been stressful, rewarding and amazing all at the same time, holding the belief that the job was more than just representing growers in the region, but the entire Bowen community.
He said his time as president had seen a number of challenges, most recently the proposed introduction of a backpacker tax, and the devastation caused by Cyclone Debbie.
Whitsunday Regional Council’s mayor Andrew Willcox said it would be a loss for the local industry.
“Carl is a great guy, he’s made an extremely positive impact in his time as president of the BGGA,” Mr Willcox said.