A re-elected Coalition Government will build a Research and AgTech Innovation Hub in partnership with CQUniversity and AgForce Queensland Farmers at the iconic Belmont Station.
Minister for Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie, said $6 million will be invested to deliver the first AgTech Hub focusing on the beef industry to increase productivity, create jobs and deliver a strong economy.
“The Belmont Research Station has been the premier research station for the north Australian beef industry for over 60 years,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Our commitment of $6 million to build a Research and AgTech Innovation Hub will deliver new tools and practices with real world applications to drive productivity and growth in the Australian beef industry.
“This facility will connect livestock producers with cutting edge researchers, commercial providers and training facilities to support innovation and adoption of new techniques.
The Coalition Government is committed to regional Australia and our investment will deliver a globally unique research centre for tropical livestock production to support our growing beef industry.
LNP Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, welcomed the announcement and said the Coalition Government is continuing to support a critical research station that delivers significant benefits for Central Queensland.
“Central Queensland has some of the best beef on the planet, that’s why it is fundamental that we continue to invest in research and innovation hubs for the future of the beef industry” Ms Landry said.
“Today’s announcement proves that the Coalition Government is continuing to back important infrastructure that our agricultural industry needs.”
CQUniversity Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Klomp, said today’s announcement will allow CQUniversity and AgForce Queensland Farmers to establish an internationally renowned agricultural research facility in Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia.
“This would be the only AgTech R&D hub in Australia focusing specifically on northern livestock production, but will also be the only facility of its kind located in the tropics anywhere in the world.
“I welcome the LNP’s commitment to this project as part of a broader commitment to strengthening Northern Australia as a continued leader in innovative livestock production.”
Mike Guerin, CEO AgForce agreed by saying that the Belmont Station AgTech and Innovation hub represents the way of the future for delivering high impact and financially sustainable R&D for livestock producers.
“Our partnership approach with CQUniversity puts producer needs and industry impact at the forefront of all R&D efforts,” Mr Guerin said.
“By combining producer insights with researcher expertise, the Belmont Station Research and Ag Innovation hub will help to test and deliver the tools that farmers need to boost productivity and sustainability.
The Coalition Government continues to build on its more than $120 billion investment in regional Australia – the engine-room of our nation’s economy – to ensure a sustainable, prosperous and secure future for people living in the regions.
The $2 billion Regional Accelerator Program is part of an unprecedented $21 billion investment in our regions and infrastructure across the nation unveiled through the 2022-23 Federal Budget to make our nation wealthier and stronger, create tens of thousands of regional jobs and drive our economic growth.
Only a Coalition Government will continue to deliver a better future for Rockhampton, and this is part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
