The Show Societies Grants Program will receive $500,000 to be shared equally between the 129 groups across Queensland.

Each show society will also receive $3,846 on top of their historical annual allocation.

The support also provides funding for an investigation into the economic factors impacting Queensland's shows.

And the answer to these questions is "absolutely everything within our power and or influence" – which should not be underestimated.

We don't always get the result we are looking for, but rest assured our regional managers, policy staff and those elected as your representatives have given it a red-hot crack. If the result is not in our favour, it's not for lack of trying.

Some of the things that AgForce has been able to achieve or prevent from coming to fruition over the last few years include retaining the Fuel Rebate Scheme, stopping the implementation of the Carbon Tax, standing firm and stopping the poisoning of the Great Artesian Basin, and just recently, reforming the definition of "primary producer" to be more inclusive of off-farm income.

By lobbying hard to get rid of out-dated definitions such as these, more of our farmers are now eligible for crucial disaster assistance.

It's AgForce's long-term advocacy focus that ensures these important messages about the future of our industry and the vulnerability of food security in our country gets through to the highest levels of government such as the recent National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper, which will become the foundation of a National Food Security Strategy.

Other projects AgForce is currently working on include better connectivity, improving pathways for freehold from term leases and better management of National Parks and stock routes. Security of live trade, improved pathways for young producers and workers and mental health concerns are also right up there.

The importance of being "in the room" for these negotiations cannot be overstated – especially in this next term of federal government. This is what AgForce does best.

Whilst we have a State Government that by all indications has shown that they understand agriculture, the newly returned Federal Labor government may not be as helpful.

AgForce is currently under way in recruitment of our next CEO to help take the organisation forward into the future. Our long-standing CEO Mike Guerin steps down from his role soon and as such the search is on for his replacement.

His strong contribution in his eight years as CEO has had a substantial impact on this organisation and the Ag industry. He is our longest serving CEO and leaves the organisation in strong shape and with our collective best wishes.

Michael's leadership has shown us the importance of playing the long advocacy game. If we are not in the room for these hard and difficult conversations, it would lead to a far worse outcome for the agricultural industry.

As an industry, we have a great story to tell about how we farm and we are magnificent at telling that story to our own. The wonderful work we as producers do in looking after the environment we live, work and play in is too often overlooked.

They don't see the things that we take for granted, it just turns up on the shelf in the supermarket and always has. But food security is never a given, and we need to get better at explaining that, and why.

But if we aren't in there telling our story, then there is no alternative narrative to that provided by other interest groups while their version goes dangerously unrefuted.

Shane McCarthy,

AgForce general president

A new report from Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers highlights how growers are improving productivity, sustainability, and profitability thanks to the Farm Business Resilience Program.

The report, Understanding & Enhancing Practice Improvement in Horticulture, captured the meaningful strides taken by growers who have participated in the program since its 2021 launch.

On-farm improvements around irrigation and water management, soil health, erosion control and business planning are some of the outcomes that growers have achieved through working with the program.

Program manager Kristy Banks said growers were taking the initiative to access these opportunities and invest in the infrastructure and expert advice needed to futureproof their agribusinesses.

"Farming is a long game, and Queensland growers know that," Ms Banks said.

"They're using support from the Farm Business Resilience Program to identify risks, set priorities, and build businesses that are prepared for the varied challenges horticulture faces."

"Our goal (in commissioning the report) was to learn from grower experiences with the program and use those insights to ensure we can improve our delivery, and bring value where growers need it most."

As well as pathways to funding support, growers praised the Hort360 best management practice platform as being helpful in identifying areas for improvement or validating current practices.

Grower feedback will inform updates to the program's delivery, namely in addressing the amount of time needed to complete the farm business planning module in Hort360, as well as better aligning the module with any future funding application requirements.

Insights from Hort360 also show that growers are seeking further training and support in areas such as export readiness, biosecurity, production management, and disaster planning.

"Growers were clear, they want support that's simple, practical, and doesn't waste their time," Ms Banks said.

"The findings in the report backed up what we've been hearing for a while, and it's given us a clear direction for where to improve.

"We're taking that feedback seriously and shifting the way we deliver the program by cutting duplication, making the tools easier to use, and making sure business plans are actually helpful.

"Whether it's applying for funding, managing risk, or setting goals, we want this to work for growers, not against them."

Since 2021, 258 growers have participated in the program, exceeding the target of 210, with 303 Farm Business Plans developed or updated, more than doubling the expected 120.

To learn more about the Farm Business Resilience Program, visit: www.growcom.com.au/fbrp

The review aims to ensure the region's long-term water needs can be best met and managed into the future.

Water in the Mitchell River is mostly used to support small-scale irrigation, but it also supports small communities and towns, recreational and commercial fisheries, and a growing tourism industry.

The state government has begun its preliminary public consultation and is calling for public submissions. Public meetings are also being held, with the first beginning yesterday in Julatten and Mt Carbine.

They will continue next week in Chillagoe on Tuesday 22 July, from 1pm to 3pm; and at Mt Surprise Hall on 23 July, from 11am to 1pm.

The consultation covers water in watercourses, lakes, springs (surface water), overland flow, and groundwater that is not managed by the Great Artesian Basin and other regional aquifers water plan.

Issues to be reviewed include:

• making water available to secure, supply and foster economic growth, including for new irrigated agriculture, urban water and critical minerals while balancing associated impacts on other water interests and values;

• future water requirements for anticipated further population growth in the plan area

• emergent water security needs for the plan area (including securing water supplies for First Nations communities), with a focus on affordability;

• water entitlements, including the potential for water licences to be converted to water allocations;

• water trading, including identifying any barriers to accessing the existing trading framework to improve water resource utilisation and support economic development;

• water management arrange-ments for surface water, groundwater and overland flow management thresholds;

• incorporating best-available science on water availability and the water needs for the environment; and

• requirements under the Human Rights Act 2019.

Preliminary consultation submissions will close on 30 September.

The submissions, together with engagement with water users, First Nations peoples and other interest groups, will be used to develop a draft replacement plan, which will then be followed by another round of public consultation.

To make a submission please email NorthWPS@rdmw.qld.gov.au, call 1800 822 100 or post a submission to the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers, Water Services North Region, 'Attention: Manager Water Planning and Science', PO Box 156, Mareeba, 4880.

HORSES

Supreme Champion Led Pony: V Bartlett "Freeman's Lodge Deccadance"

Supreme Champion Led Horse: Amber Greenhaugh "Su-Anne Hamptons"

Supreme Halter Exhibit: V Bartlett "Freeman's Lodge Deccadance"

Supreme Champion Hack of Show: D Foxwell "Kolby Holly's Knowing"

DAIRY CATTLE

Dairy Paraders Class 1: 1st Nathan Daley

Dairy Paraders Class 2: 1st Abagail Daley

Dairy Young Judges: 1st Ryan Turner

Champion Illawarra Cow: English Family "EV Kaye 19"

Holsteins Most Successful Exhibitor: Ourway (CJ & SJ Daley)

Champion Cow: English Family "LL Ferdinand Rosemary"

Most Successful Dairy Exhibitor: English Family

STUD CATTLE

Grand Champion Bull of Show: Barronessa "Defender"

Grand Champion Female of Show: Barronessa "Ms Empower"

Supreme Champion Stud Beef Exhibit: Barronessa "Ms Empower"

Inaugural John Hosie Memorial Champion Led Exhibit: Godfrey Family "Cowboy"

Overall Champion Junior Stud Judge: Jack Zappala

Overall Champion Junior Prime Judge: Taylor Gray

PRIME BEEF CATTLE

Champion Female of Show: Godfrey Family

Champion Bullock of Show: Godfrey Family

Most Successful Prime Beef Exhibitor: WP & A Tranter

POULTRY

Grand Champion Bird of Show: K Waugh

NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS

Supreme Champion Goat Exhibit: The Garden Door "Lysandra"

FARMER'S CHALLENGE WINNERS

1st: Millaa Mongrels, 2nd: Bally's Angels, 3rd: Team From The Crowd

CHARITY CELEBRITY HAND MILKING COMP WINNER

Abbey Pember

The program, being offered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), offers grants of up to $20,000 for projects from community groups and not-for-profits.

The IAGP program has $240,000 in funding available in this round. The grants can support community-led initiatives that improve mental health education to increase knowledge and reduce stigma, build community connections to lessen isolation and increase wellbeing, and assist local non-clinical services.

FRRR's Jill Karena said that country people were resilient, but that did not mean they didn't need support.

"Resilience is about using what you have in your toolbox to tackle a challenge. It doesn't mean you have to battle things on your own," she said.

"These grants are for local organisations to help their community build up the knowledge, skills and networks to support their mental health and wellbeing and to make sure locals know they don't need to go it alone.

"Community groups and NFPs are on the ground, speaking with local people, so they are best placed to understand the kind of pressures that the community is dealing with and what kind of support is needed.

"This might be through a mental health first aid course, hosting a community event to help locals feel connected and less isolated, inviting a guest speaker to share their mental health journey or providing locals with a safe space to speak up about their own mental health."

There are two streams of funding:

• Community wellbeing: for projects that focus on strengthening the general mental health and wellbeing of people in remote, rural and regional communities, and

• Farmers and farming communities: for projects specifically supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and the communities they live in.

"The National Farmers Federation's 2023 National Farmer Wellbeing Report reinforced why it's so important to offer funding to local NFPs in farming regions and, since offering the second stream of funding, we've been inspired by the passion and dedication for the wellbeing of farmers and their towns," Ms Karena said.

"It's these organisations and their projects that are filling the gaps in mental health services in these communities.

"Together with our funding partners, we look forward to being inspired by the proactive, community-focussed project ideas that support the mental health and wellbeing of people in remote, rural and small regional settings."

FRRR will host a free, online grantseeker workshop on Wednesday, 9 July at 2pm for NFPs and community groups wanting to learn more about the program. To register, visit FRRR's website.

Applications are currently open and close on Thursday, 14 August. Funding will be announced late November.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/in-a-good-place/

But the drop in Australia's booming avo production is expected to be short-lived, resulting from the phenomenon of "alternate bearing" where trees can produce a large crop one year followed by small or no crops the next, according to the report by the agribusiness banking specialist's RaboResearch division.

Last year, The Express reported that thousands of mature avocado trees were being bulldozed across the region as the market price for the fruit plummeted and farmers struggled to keep up with rising costs.

According to growers – some of whom had been farming avocadoes for decades – the price per tray for the fruit was half what it used to be due to oversupply in Australia last year, while the cost of freight, labour, chemicals and fees had vastly risen, leaving farmers with no choice but to bulldoze their trees and start afresh.

The Rabobank report says Australian production is forecast to rebound to record volumes – of around 170,000 metric tons – in 2025-26.

RaboResearch analyst Anna Drake said Australia was estimated to have produced 128,000 metric tons of the fruit in the 2024-25 season – which equated to close to 20 avocados per person a year.

Meanwhile the world's appetite for avocados continues to grow at a rapid rate, with the global market smashing the US$20 billion (Australia $30 billion) mark for the first time.

Ms Drake said growth in new "bearing acreage" (avocado trees coming into production) in Australia was starting to slow, with the area planted at the peak of new avocado planting in 2019 now in full production.

"New avocado planting has continued to drop off sharply," she said.

"Avocado tree planting in 2024 was at its lowest level since 1999 and down over 90% from the highs in 2019, signalling the beginning of a levelling-off in crop size."

Ms Drake said while Australian avocado production was expected to rebound next year, with many alternate-bearing trees set to have an "on" production year, longer term, the production growth rate was likely to slow, reflecting a stabilisation in supply.

The report said Australian avocado export volumes remained flat in 2024.

"Export volumes to the major destinations of China, Singapore and Malaysia remained almost unchanged year-on-year, while those to India increased sharply after improvements in market access," Ms Drake said.

RaboResearch senior horticulture analyst David Magana said three main regions represented 88% of the market value of the fruit – Latin America, North America and Europe.

While Latin America led global consumption, the market value in the rest of the world was still low (at 12%), he said, presenting opportunities for growth.

North America had seen a significant increase in avocado demand growth in the past two decades, led by marketing campaigns.

Globally, avocado export volumes are growing rapidly, RaboResearch said, driven by increased production and diversification of exporting countries.

"Amid this rise of new suppliers, seasonal oversupply in certain markets is a concern that will require continued demand creation and marketing strategies," the Rabobank report said.

RaboResearch expects global avocado exports to continue to expand in the next few seasons.

"We estimate global avocado exports will surpass three million metric tons by 2026-27, a significant increase from one million metric tons in 2012-13," Mr Magana said.

Adopt-A-Beast Inc founder Nathalie Grassi said while floodwaters may have receded in parts of the country hit recently, the recovery for many graziers was only just beginning.

"With livestock losses mounting and limited support available, small cattle producers across the state are struggling to rebuild. Insurance and government assistance can be delayed or out of reach, leaving graziers in limbo – unable to restart their herds or restore their livelihoods," she said.

"We're not here to replace everything they've lost. We're here to help restore something far more powerful – hope.

"These graziers have faced heartbreak most of us will never know. By giving them a few good breeding animals, we offer more than livestock – we offer a reason to keep going. We believe in their resilience."

The Rockhampton-based charity is the only one in Australia dedicated to helping with livestock recovery.

Through their EOFY Flood Recovery Appeal, the charity aims to raise $50,000 to fund the provision of heifers, bulls, and breeding support to graziers in hard-hit areas. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

"It's not about replacing whole herds – it's about getting something back on the land, something to build on," Nathalie said.

"Even a small number of animals can mean the difference between giving up and starting again."

Australians can support the appeal by visiting www.adoptabeast.org

The government allocated $60.9 million for 100 extra biosecurity officers at biosecurity hotspots across the state, regionally-focused action plans to manage invasive species, including feral pigs and varroa mite, and $24 million for the Fire Ant eradication program.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said it had been a decade since the state's primary industries had received a budget that focused on what they needed to enable them to produce "world-class food, fibre and foliage for Queenslanders and the world".

A massive $817.2 million for the Department of Primary Industries budget would also fund the 25-year Primary Industries Prosper 2050 Blueprint, which included a five-year action plan to drive investment, create jobs, and unlock opportunities for the traditional primary industries sector.

This would be supported by a $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund.

Funding of $51.9 million over four years would support the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program and Drought Preparedness Grants.

Industry representatives eastAUSmilk welcomed the extension to the FBRP, saying it had been a "highly successful partnership between it and the department".

"FBRP has enabled many dairy farmers to develop and implement a farm business plan, and it is great that this partnership will continue," eastAUSmilk president Joe Bradley said.

However, while it also welcomed the additional funding for the Sowing the Seeds Fund, the organisation was disappointed that no funding was allocated to the Queensland Dairy Plan.

Another key industry initiative for the region was the commitment to develop a FNQ Cane Expansion Plan with Canegrowers Queensland, and to support Mossman growers in transporting their crop for the 2025 season.

Premier David Crisafulli said in September that would "integrate industry knowledge around farming systems and grower engagement to rebuild productivity in Far North Queensland and safeguard the industry for years to come".

The state's timber industry was also supported in the budget through funding for the Queensland Future Timber Plan (QFTP). The plan aims to ensure access to enough local timber to build one million homes by 2044, and promote continuity of supply of state-owned native timber.

In total, eight new projects received more than $18 million from the Land Restoration Fund, all generating Australian Carbon Credit Units in addition to delivering environmental outcomes, including improved water quality for the Great Barrier Reef and the protection of threatened species and ecosystems.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the projects would prevent more than 180,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

"The Land Restoration Fund is one of a suite of government programs providing financial rewards to farmers and landholders who sustainably manage their natural assets," he said.

"Land Restoration Fund projects also support training opportunities and jobs for local communities, such as plant operators, project managers, scientists and ecologists, and roles on Country for Indigenous Rangers.

"With the projects running over many years – ranging from five to 16 years – they are set to have a long-term positive impact on communities."

The three projects funded on the Tablelands are all over the next 16 years:

• $1.9 million for the rainforest restoration to join World-Heritage listed Maalan and Wooroonooran National Parks, which is a collaboration between the Queensland Government and South Endeavour Trust.

The project will replant 35 hectares of endangered high-altitude rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands to create a wildlife corridor between the Maalan and Wooroonooran National Parks, benefiting threatened and near threatened species, restoring riparian vegetation within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, and providing jobs for First Nations people.

• $1.224 million for the restoration of high-altitude cloud forest for threatened species and connectivity. The Atherton Tablelands project is a collaboration between the Queensland Government and the Wintergreen Capital Trust.

It aims to restore full rainforest cover in the Upper Barron by closing two gaps in a large contiguous area of high-altitude rainforest. The project will benefit threatened and near-threatened species, restore riparian vegetation within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, and provide jobs for First Nations people.

• $1.4 million for the rainforest restoration to part complete a corridor between Tumoulin and Maalan National Parks project which is a collaboration between the Queensland Government and Emerald Forest Land Pty Limited as trustee for the Emerald Forest Land Trust.

The project aims to contribute to the restoration of a priority wildlife corridor between Tumoulin and Maalan National Parks on the Southern Atherton Tablelands. This will involve the planting of 75,000 trees over 22 hectares of historically cleared rainforest.

The project will benefit a range of threatened species including cassowary, Spotted-tail Quoll, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, and a number of threatened rainforest frog species.

The cattle comprised of well-finished bullocks and cows which received good support from local and southern processers.

There were a limited number of bulls to quote on, but quality crossbred steers and heifers continued to be in high demand, reflecting the upper end of the market.

A total of 67 steers and bullocks were yarded, with 37 in the 400-500kg weight range averaging 292.5cents/kg. The remaining 30, weighing over 500kg, found an average of 270.1 cents/kg.

There were also a good number of cows yarded, with 48 (up to 400kg) averaging 134.5cents/kg, 59 (400-600kg) averaging 202.6cents/kg, and 6 (over 600kg) averaging 218.2cents/kg.

The EOIs provide local producers the opportunity to play a significant role to set the future direction of primary industries and reach the government's goal of a $30 billion industry by 2030.

Interested representatives of the primary industries sector have until 9 July to register to join three regional working groups representing Queensland's northern, central and southern regions.

The working groups will design local solutions that build on the State's strengths in producing premium, safe and sustainable produce while creating a more profitable, innovative and resilient industry.

The government is conducting the largest industry stakeholder consultation in over a decade with more than 3,200 invested Queenslanders already contributing their ideas, insights and experiences since the start of the year.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the exceptional response to date had demonstrated the passion Queenslanders have for their food, fibre and foliage sectors.

"Queenslanders from across our agriculture, biosecurity, fisheries and forestry sectors have stepped up to help design this exciting blueprint," he said.

"Many of Queensland's rural and regional communities have been built off the back of primary industries, so I encourage those interested in primary industries and their communities to express their interest to be involved in this important process."

To put in an EOI, go to https://dpi.engagementhub.com.au/

While global cattle markets have all been trending higher in the first half of 2025, Rabobank's research division says that since United States President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, uncertainty and unpredictability have reverberated through the beef sector.

Beef is one of the largest agricultural commodities traded by the US. Any change to trading arrangements has the potential to affect the beef market at a global level, the report says.

The global supply and demand situation and the trading arrangements as of the beginning of June, had been maintained.

However, the report says, this is likely to change if major trading blocs, such as Europe and China, become involved in a trade war with America.

"While negotiations are ongoing, we are starting to see some redistribution of beef trade volumes around the world," report lead author, RaboResearch senior animal proteins analyst, Angus Gidley-Baird, said.

"Reports are emerging that Chinese buyers are looking more toward Australian, New Zealand and South American suppliers as US beef becomes unavailable or more expensive.

"Much of the media attention has been on the imposition of tariffs, but this may only be the opener to the main event.

"In just a few months, countries have entered trade talks with 30-day time frames. The result has been more trade agreements than we've seen in decades.

"While tariffs may have grabbed headlines and caused headaches, the real story will be the implications of shifting global trade dynamics."

The quarterly report shows that global cattle markets have been trending higher in the first six months of the year, with European prices experiencing an especially strong rise in Q1, as domestic supplies contracted while demand remained strong.

"In both Europe and the US, disease and pests are affecting cattle supplies," Mr Gidley-Baird said.

"In Europe, and now in the UK, Bluetongue virus continues to affect the herd.

"Meanwhile, New World screwworm in Mexico has caused US authorities to close the border to Mexican cattle imports, and the risk of potential infestation in the US is increasing."

Mr Gidley-Baird said the health threats were challenging production in markets where beef supplies were already projected to be lower, likely further supporting already elevated cattle prices.

"Global beef production is expected to contract through the remainder of the year, with an overall contraction of 2% projected for the year," he said.

"The largest contractions are expected to happen in Brazil (down 5%) and New Zealand (down 4%), with contractions also expected in Europe, the US, and China.

"Australia is one of the few regions expected to see a production increase."

The Department of Primary Industries is investing $436,160 to help create new ways of managing the feral animals.

Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer Rachel Chay last week announced two successful applicants who will receive funding through the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative.

Dr Chay said the funded projects would harness innovative technology such as artificial intelligence to improve the trapping, monitoring and control of feral pigs throughout Queensland.

"Feral pigs do untold damage to Queensland agriculture and are known carriers of disease which can devastate our domestic pork industry," she said.

"This funding aims to ensure a diverse and humane suite of control tools is available and accessible for use across Queensland.

"The successful applicants in this round of funding were the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre based in Cairns and The University of Queensland which will base its project from their Gatton campus."

Dr Chay said both projects would provide real improvements in feral pig control methods.

"The Reef and Rainforest Research Centre project will give farmers and other stakeholders access to real-time information and data on the presence, location, number and size of feral pigs," she said.

"This information can then be used to integrate and test innovative control measures such as 'smart fences' and automated baiting programs, allowing stakeholders to monitor larger land areas more quickly and at reduced cost.

"In addition, the University of Queensland project will design and deliver a decision-making framework that optimises control measures for specific locations and times by integrating research on pig behaviour, climate, landscape data and control techniques."

A levy of $5 per head is collected at point of sale, with these funds used for research, development and marketing initiatives by Meat and Livestock Australia. The R&D component attracts a matching Commonwealth co-contribution.

Cattle Australia chief executive Dr Chris Parker said the organisation would work with other peak industry bodies in taking a holistic view of the red meat production industry, its future needs and appropriate support from the levy system.

"There is a case to be made to improve levy arrangements, including the collection and distribution of funds, to secure the future of this vital industry," he said.

"The first part of this review process is to get the work done on this case. There will be wide consultation on both the case for and against change, and we must, of course, meet the levy principles set out by Federal Government.

"This will not be a quick fix. We anticipate the full review process and consultation will take at least two years, but we must start now if we are to ensure that our industry stays in front of the game and maintains its position as a reliable source of safe, nutritious protein."

The red meat supply chain employs more than 430,000 people nationwide and has a turnover of more than $81 billion per year.

The competition that combines artistic fun with serious safety messages is now open to all Queensland primary school children from Prep to Year 6.

Twelve different pieces of artwork from students will be chosen to feature in the calendar, with a different safety theme for each month.

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the competition was about creative young minds promoting the importance of farm safety.

"Tragically, serious injuries and fatalities occur on farms and rural settings each year, the calendar serves as a creative and visual reminder covering overhead powerlines, being safe with electrical equipment, animal safety and the importance of washing hands after contact with animals," he said.

"In the last year alone, 26 Queenslanders lost their lives simply going to work. These aren't just numbers, they're 26 families left without a chance to say goodbye. The rural sector alone accounted for 10 of those lives.

"Our government backs our agricultural sector to continue to grow the economic output and that also means supporting safe and productive farming workplaces as well."

"We know many rural communities and schools have the calendar prominently displayed in the home throughout the year, educating Queenslanders of all ages to work and play safely on farm properties

More than 40,000 copies of the calendar will be printed for statewide distribution. The competition is open until 27 June. The 12 winning entrants, to be announced in October as part of Safe Work Month, will receive a $250 gift card and $500 for their school.

For information on how to enter and to download resources, go to WorkSafe.qld.gov.au

The committee will examine how to unlock new investment, support value-adding opportunities in the sugar industry, and overcome regulatory barriers that may be holding the sector back.

The Parliamentary Inquiry aligns with the State Government's ambitious target to grow the value of Queensland's primary production output to $30 billion by 2030.

Acting Minister for Primary Industries Dale Last said the inquiry would examine opportunities to grow Queensland's agri-economy and create jobs in regional communities.

"Sugar is our state's number one agricultural export, contributing $4.4 billion annually to Queensland's economy and supporting over 20,000 jobs across regional communities," he said.

"Queensland is uniquely positioned with the scale, skills and natural advantage to lead the world in alternative fuels and value-added agriculture.

"This inquiry will shine a spotlight on the regulatory and legislative barriers to developing a bioenergy industry and identify the levers we can pull to support the sector's growth.

"The recommendations from this inquiry will help guide future policy decisions that support industry diversification and regional growth."

Canegrowers chief executive Dan Galligan welcomed the inquiry and said it would highlight the potential of bioenergy to add to the sugar cane sector's long-term sustainability.

"The potential to develop Queensland's bioenergy sector presents an enormous opportunity for sugar cane growers," he said.

"The bioenergy industry has the potential to diversify our already successful sugar sector and fortify rural and regional communities from Far North Queensland to the New South Wales border."

Australian Sugar Manufacturers chief executive Ash Salardini said bioenergy from sugar could potentially put downward pressure on energy prices.

"The sugar industry can be a powerhouse energy producer for Queensland, including through the production of biofuels and renewable baseload electricity," he said.

"The only way we are going to get there is with industry and government working hand in glove to capture these opportunities.

"A successful bioenergy agenda will help underpin investments in our manufacturing plants, making our factories some of the most efficient and reliable in making sugar and securing our international competitiveness for the next 50 years."

The committee will deliver an interim issues paper within six months with a final report to be tabled within a year.

Sally Fields has crafted a farmer practice change workshop program that includes peer to peer learning, on farm sessions and a mentoring program.

"We have been working with eight farm businesses since April as part of Atherton Tablelands Integrated Collaboration Project, with funding from Sustainable Table and the Queensland Government's Office of the Great Barrier Reef," Sally said.

To date the group has traversed soil health, how to monitor, strategies for reducing inputs and building on farm resilience.

Last week, the group took a deep dive into holistic management, with Brian Wehlburg at the helm.

"Farmers will walk away with a grazing management plan and a deep understanding of ecosystem processes and how to use the tool of grazing to manage the landscape regeneration," Sally said.

"We are part way through the year-long program with the practice change cohort followed up with an on-farm planning session which will identify next steps and required tools and infrastructure to enable their plan."

Tropical fruit farmer Jessica Villani is one of the producers taking the course.

"This program has been invaluable in planning for resilience on my farm," she said.

"Learning alongside people from diverse farming backgrounds and site visits to growers and suppliers in our area has strengthened the networks in our local food systems.

"The expert knowledge provided by the facilitators has been life changing."

Sally says they are planning another intake for a farmer cohort later this year. Anyone interested can email Sally at naturalfieldssolutions@gmail.com

FRRR's Community Led Climate Solutions program (CLCS) is offering grants to organisations for initiatives that address climate change at a local level.

Stream 1 – Engage and Deliver offers grants up to $20,000 for local projects that implement or build awareness of practices and solutions that can reduce emissions and benefit the community.

Grants can be used for a range of purposes, including to educate local people; adopt clean energy practices; support First Nations climate focused initiatives; reduce emissions; implement low carbon power sources; embrace reuse and regenerative practices; support solutions that deliver sustainable agriculture and food systems; and encourage biodiverse ecosystems.

Applications for Engage and Deliver grants close at 5pm on 26 June, with successful applicants announced by mid-September.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/community-led-climate-solutions

Tablelands to Tabletop founder Angela Nason was recently advised that over the past five years, a whopping $2 million has circulated through her business.

"I'm really happy with what we've been able to achieve. When you first start out with something like this, you're not sure if it's going to be supported by the community, and I mean, $2 million in five years, that's our answer," Ms Nason said.

"That eating local, fresh produce is a needed service, people support us, our farmers absolutely love what we do, our community loves what we do, and of course, we love what we do too.

"The $2 million is basically what we have paid our farmers for fruit and vegetables, as well as our suppliers. So, all the money that we've collected from our community who have paid for produce, 100% of that has stayed in our local community.

"That's a lot of money that has stayed on our doorsteps, and our farmers have gotten a big chunk of that."

Ms Nason said the aim of her business was to get the local community eating fresh, local produce.

Growing up within the farming industry, she noticed a gap in the market with about a third of farmers' produce often not leaving the paddock due to being classified as "reject fruit", even though it may be perfectly fine to eat.

By utilising this, she was able to offer her customers a wide range of second-grade produce, as well as premium-grade, and she also created extra income for local farmers.

"About a third of the produce that's grown here on the Tablelands will never leave the farms because it's too small or too big, or the banana doesn't have enough bend. Surprisingly, a straight banana is now considered a reject fruit and will be discarded.

"So, we buy a lot of that produce. We think it's criminal that produce is thrown away, especially if it's edible. There's literally no physical damage to it, the nutrition is the same, and the taste is the same, which is the most important thing.

"And that has enabled our farmers to have an extra income. Instead of them discarding that produce, we pay them for it. They perhaps can then put more staff on or diversify their crops, there's lots of options that opens up for them."

Ms Nason said the most important reason to shop local is to give future generations a chance to live in a thriving community.

"Personally, I want my children to stay here in town, I don't want them to have to leave because there's no job opportunities," she said.

"We've seen the impact of not supporting local businesses, with a lot of people online shopping these days.

"Rockmans and Rivers have closed their doors, and we've got over 10 vacant shops in our main street right now.

"So, that is the effect of not spending money in our local community. Shops shut down, job opportunities shrink, and our children and our future generations may have to look elsewhere to live and work.

"So, in a nutshell, if money is spent here locally, it will create a thriving community and job opportunities for our young children."