Growcom congratulated Premier Palaszczuk and the Labor Party on their convincing victory at the Queensland state election over the weekend.
Over the course of the campaign competing priorities and policies were offered by political parties to the people of Queensland, including a number of different initiatives designed to grow the Queensland horticulture industry.
Growcom CEO Stephen Barnard said it was pleasing to see a focus on expanding the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts, given the enormous number of jobs these industries create in rural and regional Queensland.
“We are excited by the commitment from a returned Palaszczuk Government of a 50 percent cut to the price of water over three years where fruits, vegetables and nuts are being produced,” said Mr. Barnard.
“This commitment will come as welcome relief to some growers, and for many more it will create a great deal of optimism. For the first time in a long while growers on irrigation schemes will be considering expanding their operations."
“Jobs will be created, and new wealth injected into rural towns and regional centers. This is just what the Queensland economy needs to recovery from a COVID-19 recession.”
In addition to turning on the tap to cheaper water, Queensland growers also need their governments to keep in mind ensuring a number of other elements are in place to enable greater production.
“Before growers plant more crops they need to be confident in being able to access a secure supply of skilled and willing workers to harvest them. Right now, due to COVID-19, we have extreme uncertainty about our labour supply,” said Mr. Barnard.
“And growers also need confidence about securing a decent price for their produce. This means expanding our export markets. More produce arriving in domestic markets will only push prices down for everyone."
“This is a complex industry with many moving parts. As we advocated ahead of the election, Queensland horticulture urgently needs a strategic plan to ensure all our efforts are aligned and that we have all the right resources in place."
“Growcom looks forward to working with Premier Palaszczuk and her returned government on creating ambitious and bright vision for the future of our $3 billion industry.”
For more detail on the platform created by the Queensland horticulture industry for the Queensland election please visit the Growcom website.
For more information:
Growcom
Primary Producers House
Level 3, 183 North Quay
Brisbane Qld 4000
PO Box 202
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
p: 07 3620 3844
f: 07 3620 3880
[email protected]
www.growcom.com.au