Qld Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett (right) on Etta Plains with the property’s owner and Gulf Cotton managing director Lucas Findley. Image: Tony Perrett MP
THE QUEENSLAND Government is delivering the research and development needed to significantly grow broadacre cropping in North West Queensland, in partnership with the cotton and grains industry.
In collaboration with Cotton Research and Development Corporation and Grains Research and Development Corporation, $5.3 million will be invested into a project to deliver scientific agricultural research and development for north Qld.
The Unlocking Farming Systems for North Queensland initiative has set an ambitious target to enable the production of 100,000 bales of cotton and grow grain and pulse production to $100M per year, by 2035.
This project aligns the Qld Government’s Prosper 2050 blueprint and ambitious goal to increase to value of primary production output to $30 billion by 2030.
Initially the project focus will be on the upper and lower Flinders catchment, where broadacre cropping currently contributes around $13.2M in gross value of production.
This work will be followed by a focus on the Gilbert catchment, where similar opportunities exist.
Qld Department of Primary Industries staff will be working with growers and agronomists in the region to develop and capitalise on agronomy tactics to optimise productivity in this pioneering production environment.
Qld Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the initiative would accelerate cotton and grain production opportunities supporting our ambitious target to grow the value of primary production to $30 billion by 2030.
“There is a significant shift underway in the North West from a traditionally grazing region into cotton, grains and pulses which provides an opportunity for diversification which will support the region to be more resilient,” Mr Perrett said.
“By using the DPIs expertise we are supercharging the expansion of cropping, by developing better techniques and optimised production methods suited to this new farming region.
“In partnership with CRDC and GRDC our scientists will be working with farmers and graziers in the region to understand how to get the best performance out of local soils and conditions to develop a prosperous and sustainable industry.“
CRDC executive director Allan Williams said supporting sustainable development in northern Australia was a key priority for CRDC.
“Research is critical to helping growers unlock new opportunities and ensuring development is productive, resilient and sustainable,” Mr Williams said.
“This partnership is an important collaboration, investing in the people, knowledge and regional capability needed to support the long-term success of cotton and grain industries in North Queensland.”
GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said with the right systems in place, northern Queensland presented a significant opportunity to grow Australia’s grains and cotton industries.
“This partnership will focus on real-world solutions – helping growers manage risk, make better decisions, and build productive, resilient farming for the future,” Mr Hart said.
“Our role is to ensure research is grounded in grower needs and delivers real on-farm impact in the north.”
Source: Queensland Government
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