The Premier has announced she's backing one of the world's great beef cattle events, committing $1 million towards Beef Australia 2021, to be held in Australia's Beef capital Rockhampton.
The triennial event being held next year (2-8 May 2021), is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and set to attract more than 1000 international visitors.
Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government was proud to once again throw its support behind the event which helps create new trade and supply opportunities for Queensland's beef industry.
"Queensland's beef industry has faced challenging times with drought, floods and bushfires, but the fortitude of our farmers and their families has been nothing short of extraordinary," the Premier said.
"This event is not only a wonderful celebration of them and the entire industry but plays a pivotal role in supporting the regional Queensland economy.
"Beef processing directly employs about 10,000 workers and Queensland processed beef exports are worth $5.37 billion (2018-19) to the economy, which was an 18 per cent increase (up $852 million) from the previous year."
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke welcomed the announcement and urged anyone who hadn't been to Beef Australia to come along.
"You won't get a better taste for regional Queensland than Beef Australia," he said.
"Make no mis-'steak', it's a fantastic event and I'm so proud the Palaszczuk Government is backing it!
"We saw record numbers in 2018 with more than 100,000 visitors through the gates, 1,200 registered international delegates from 43 countries, 5000 head of cattle and 3740 school children attended.
"I've got a good feeling 2021 is going to be bigger and better than ever!"
Mr O'Rourke said Beef Australia was an important event for agriculture and the people of Rockhampton and Central Queensland.
"Beef Australia is such a great way to showcase what's great about regional Queensland and once again highlight Rockhampton's international reputation as Australia's leader in the Beef industry," he said.
"It's also where international trade and investment deals are done and we can learn more about innovations in the industry like genetics, breeding programs and best practices to face local and global challenges."
Beef Australia Chairman Bryce Camm said "We welcome this significant contribution by the state government, a recognition and endorsement of the Beef sector's significance to the Queensland economy, particularly in job creation. The funding will drive confidence in the industry and will ensure Beef Australia 2021 delivers an economic windfall to the Rockhampton and Capricorn region.
Ian Mill was appointed to the role of CEO in 2019 and says "I am thrilled to join Beef Australia during this time of growth and development. There are innovative plans on the table to showcase the cattle, technology, people and of course our great Australian beef to the nation and indeed the world, which this funding will help us achieve."
The Palaszczuk Government released a three-year strategy in August last year to strengthen and grow Queensland's $1 billion beef processing industry, securing our position as the beef capital of Australia.
The Palaszczuk Government has also partnered with Central Queensland University (CQU), to deliver an advanced technology and innovation centre in Rockhampton that will create jobs in agricultural technology, mining and manufacturing industries.
Beef Australia 2021 is delivered by Beef Australia Limited and will feature:
- More than 5000 cattle from over 30 breeds
- A trade fair promoting more than 500 businesses
- A symposium, seminars and property tours to deliver new research information to producers
- Restaurants, celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations for visitors to appreciate the quality and flavour of Australian beef.
The Queensland Government has supported the event in Rockhampton since 1988.
