Growing Agriculture Opportunities in our Backyard

Published on 13 November 2025

Rockhampton Regional Council is planting the seeds for a stronger agriculture sector, working collaboratively on major projects which drive investment, sustainability, employment and economic growth across our Region.

As Council’s lead economic development, Advance Rockhampton is playing a critical role in delivering initiatives across cropping, livestock and food manufacturing and positioning the Rockhampton Region at the forefront of agricultural progress.

The annual Grow Rockhampton – Agricultural Leaders Lunch reflects Council’s commitment to collaboration and forward-thinking in agriculture and has become the leading annual event for the industry in CQ and serves as a valuable platform to highlight the wealth of projects boosting agricultural output.

This commitment is evident through Advance Rockhampton’s active leadership in the Queensland Government funded South Yaamba Irrigation Development Business Case project, which will unlock new irrigation opportunities and allow for the diversification of cropping in a key agricultural precinct.

Advance Rockhampton has also partnered with Livingstone Shire Council and CQUniversity to advocate for a small-scale multi-species abattoir to unlock new supply chains for small businesses and strengthen the local food manufacturing workforce.

The first crops are being harvested in the Fitzroy Food Bowl following the completion of the Making Water Work – Reef Water Quality Project, which supports individual landholders in managing nutrient, sediment and pesticide runoff to protect our waters. Advance Rockhampton worked with Sunwater and the Queensland Government on this project, delivering positive environmental and economic outcomes.

Council also continues to advocate for investment in the Aquaculture Development Areas at Bajool and Marmor, which will allow for the sustainable farming of barramundi, marine finfish and prawns at a time when global demand for protein is growing.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our regional economy, with the number of businesses increasing by 7.5% since 2020. With those achievements realised in the last 12 months and more opportunities in the pipeline, the future of agriculture and food manufacturing in the Rockhampton Region is ready to beef up further with Advance Rockhampton leading the charge.

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams

“Council and Advance Rockhampton are not just planning for agricultural progress – we’re delivering it, drop by drop and crop by crop.

“We’re seeing the results of years of hard work from our team and partner agencies through the diversification of businesses, such as the first cotton crop utilising water from Rookwood Weir. These new opportunities build on our proud legacy as the Beef Capital of Australia.

“Our agricultural economy spans everything from beef to horticulture, food manufacturing, education and aquaculture, creating one of the most diverse and exciting food bowls in the country.”

Quotes attributable to Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark

“Through our collaborative partnerships we’re driving growth across irrigation, horticulture and food manufacturing, which in turn creates jobs, attracts investment and strengthens our overall economy.

“One of our focus areas is the South Yaamba Irrigation Development Business Case, supported by the Queensland Government, which we anticipate will be complete in early 2026. This has the potential to unlock over 1,000 hectares of land for new irrigation in the Fitzroy Food Bowl.

“Advance Rockhampton is providing the action and investment into our Region’s agricultural industry drives growth and delivers results.”