Investor Presentaiton
FOCUS:
North Queensland (continued)
Agriculture
North Queensland has a strong global reputation as
a reliable food supplier. With forecast global food
demand expected to rise by 75 per cent by 2050,55 North
Queensland can further capitalise on its agricultural
strengths (see global megatrends 2 and 4).
Current agricultural export products include raw sugar,
live cattle, horticulture (including mangoes, avocados,
lychees and coffee) and tropical pasture seed. Peanuts and
macadamias are also sent to South East Queensland for
processing and export.
A large fishing industry supplies Asian and domestic
markets with fresh and frozen product, while the
aquaculture industry produces prawns, barramundi and
red claw for local and international markets.
North Queensland has the necessary land and water
resources to expand Queensland's agricultural production,
and importantly, it has the skilled workforce needed to
lead the development of new technologies and approaches
for increased output.
Current action: The Queensland Government is
investigating the viability of an aquaculture industry
in the Western Cape and Gulf areas.
Case study: North Queensland Cobia
In 2006 the Queensland Government established a
research and development partnership with the university
sector and private industry to develop a sustainable way
to farm the wild caught Cobia, a subtropical fish.
The partnership developed an innovative land-based
seawater pond system fed by a constant flow of water
from the Coral Sea. The facility produces award winning
Cobia sold in Australia and overseas markets.
Mineral resources and world-class expertise
North Queensland is one of the most richly mineralised
regions in Australia. Mining these resources has
brought massive benefits to North Queensland's
regional centres, as well as being a key contributor to
Queensland's economy as a whole.
Queensland is a world leader in mining research and
development, workforce training, mine rehabilitation,
contract service provision and various other fields of
innovation.
To help ensure that the Queensland resources sector
continues to grow and develop as a global resources
leader, North Queensland has the opportunity to lead
sectorial change in building its knowledge-intensive
workforce and creating a global hub for mining
innovation. Information technology is key to this sector
as it forms the basis for innovation in data acquisition,
modelling of ore bodies, selection of mine sites and
production operations.
Current action: The Queensland Government is actively
promoting North Queensland as a major hub for
mining and innovation.
Mt Isa, Queensland
Defence
Australia's defence presence in North Queensland is
strategically and economically important. Defence locations
in North Queensland include:
•
Weipa (RAAF Scherger);
• Cairns (HMAS Cairns);
• Townsville (RAAF Townsville, Lavarack Barracks and
Ross Island Barracks); and
• Rockhampton (servicing the logistical and operational
needs of Shoalwater Bay).
In addition, the Port of Cairns and Port of Townsville can
accommodate naval vessels.
The defence sector also makes a significant contribution
to the development of North Queensland through the
construction and maintenance of facilities and by fostering
linkages with the communities.
Current action: The Queensland Government is
investigating potential infrastructure and logistic
improvements in North Queensland to increase
domestic and foreign defence activity.
Airlie Beach, Queensland
Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
48 Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017-2022View entire presentation