Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Deb Frecklington has completed a tour of the Burnett Electorate with local Member, Stephen Bennett, saying local primary producers are to be commended for creating such a professional and progressive agriculture industry in the region.
Mrs Frecklington visited Macadamias Australia, Austchilli, the Perfection Fresh Australia Blueberry Farm and also met with the Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Canegrowers, the Childers Chamber of Commerce and Childers Fruit and Veg Growers, plus a meeting with local fishing industry stakeholders.
“As Shadow Minister for Agriculture, I am extremely impressed by the professional nature of these agriculture businesses and the value-adding initiatives they have put in place,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They are taking the region’s amazing fresh produce, processing it here in Bundaberg and shipping it to the world.
“I was also pleased to hear more about the Bundaberg gas pipeline which is nearing completion. This project has created jobs and will now open up further employment opportunities for local industry and agriculture. I would like to congratulate Stephen Bennett on achieving this important piece of infrastructure for his Electorate and I look forward to hearing about the economic activity it will facilitate.
“In regards to my meeting with fishing industry stakeholders, we discussed the Labor’s proposed net-free zones and how this will affect commercial fishermen and indeed the local supply chain.
“I wanted to ensure them that the LNP does not support revoking netting licences held by commercial fishermen without adequate and fair compensation for their loss and we certainly don’t support the compulsory nature of this current Labor policy.
“The issue of consultation between the Minister and commercial fishermen was also discussed and is certainly one which is very disappointing. There has been a distinct lack of transparency, yet the Minister continues to claim he has consulted fully with the industry. I explained that to try and get the facts I have asked Minister Byrne a ‘Question on Notice’ through Parliament in this regard (see below).
“I’d like to thank everyone who met with me and showed me around the Bundaberg region.”
Local Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said it was important for a critical food bowl like Burnett to not only be well represented by a shadow minister, but by one who shares our vision for the value adding opportunities we have.
“The LNP’s new gas pipeline will create some terrific opportunities for growers who want to join groups like Steinhardts, Perfection Fresh, Austchilli and others and expand into the region”, Mr Bennet said.
“This is about future opportunities for the Bundaberg region to go forward and to encourage those businesses to establish themselves.
“We have great examples of families who have made Bundaberg their home and have value-added to the agriculture sector. We see unlimited potential for that to continue.”
The Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Cooperative (BFVG) welcomed the opportunity to discuss the significance of the region's Horticulture Industry, and to showcase some of the region’s progressive horticulture businesses.
BFVG Executive Officer Peter Hockings said it was vitally important all our Parliamentary representatives make the effort to actively engage with the businesses and industries that are critical to the economy and resilience of our regional communities.
“I sincerely thank both Shadow Ministers for their willingness to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead for our industry. The conversations held were informative, constructive, open and engaging”, he said.
"A better foundation of knowledge and appreciation of the 'engine room' for this State's economy helps our Policy makers and Representatives to provide businesses with the confidence to forge ahead. This confidence for business growth then flows on to providing opportunities for job creation, infrastructure and a sustainable future for our regions" said Peter Hockings.
Question on Notice
MRS FRECKLINGTON ASKED THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RACING (MR BYRNE)―
With reference to the Minister’s public statement that the department has consulted with commercial fishers who will lose their livelihood following the introduction of net-free zones along the coast of Queensland―
Will the Minister provide details of (a) how many meetings have been held, (b) the dates of these meetings, (c) how many fishers were consulted, and (d) whether minutes of these meetings can be provided?
