Getting the Region Rookwood Ready

Published on 02 October 2018

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Advance Rockhampton is laying the foundation for the future growth of jobs in the agriculture sector in Central Queensland by compiling a mapping tool to guide investment.

Following the recent announcement from the Queensland Government that water will begin to flow by 2021, Mayor Margaret Strelow outlined some of the projects Advance Rockhampton have been working on.

“The last few years have seen a lot of work done to create opportunities in readiness for the Weir,” Mayor Strelow said.

“Our Advance Rockhampton team has worked with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to compile and package information about agribusiness opportunities for both existing landholders and potential investors.  

"We have identified and quantified opportunities for intensive livestock, for new high-value crops and for horticulture.

“Where information was available -  we have collated that information, where there were gaps - we have filled them, so that we could develop and interactive map which shows the various soil types, environmental constraints, vegetation management and flood risk along the Fitzroy River from Rookwood to Rockhampton, making it easier for investors and landholders to see the agricultural possibilities.

“Our Region has a long history in small crops and I’m particularly excited to see new interest in small crops farming close in the city area,” Mayor Strelow said.

In 2015/2016 Financial year, the gross value of agricultural production in the Rockhampton Region was over $ 168 million. The most important commodities in the Rockhampton Region are cattle ($130 million), horticultural produce ($26 million) and crops ($4.2 million).  

Mayor Margaret Strelow said the Advance Rockhampton team is working directly with producers to support innovation and conversation about diversifying our local crops so that our Region is in the box seat when the benefits flow.

“Rookwood will be the catalyst for significant increases in the local crop portfolio and we have been working with farmers to present options for introducing new high value crops or expanding current production including macadamias, avocados and mangos.

“Our capability to produce such a diverse range of product, combined with our airport’s capabilities to operate as an international freight and logistics hub, positions us as the agricultural powerhouse of Queensland.

“The opportunities for new agriculture from Rookwood Weir are exciting and we are determined to be on the front foot so that we can encourage increased production, jobs and international export opportunities.”

Investors and existing landholders are encouraged to view the online mapping tool to check land suitability at www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Advance/Agriculture.