Strong Prospectus for Agricultural Growth in Fitzroy Food Bowl
Published on 15 November 2023
A new agriculture investment prospectus will help drive economic growth across the region as part of a Rockhampton Regional Council initiative.
The new prospectus sets out the significant opportunities available through the Fitzroy Food Bowl and benefits the Rockhampton Region has to offer.
Investment in water storage for agriculture purposes, including the completion of Rookwood Weir and proposed Eden Bann expansion, can help drive new jobs and investment in high value agricultural production. Horticulture and cropping projects provide the potential for significant economic growth in the future and encourage value-added industries in food production and manufacturing.
The prospectus was released at the second annual Rockhampton Agricultural Leaders Lunch.
The event was developed and run by Advance Rockhampton, Council’s Economic Development arm, and attended by over 130 industry representatives.
Guest speakers at the event provided insight on how local producers can make the most of our plentiful resources and location as part of Queensland’s wider agricultural and livestock industries.
Guest speakers included:
- Michael Matthewson, GM Projects and Innovation, Mort & Co
- Professor Allan Dale, Making Water Work CRCNA Chief Scientist
- Simon Irwin, Chief Executive Officer, Beef Australia
- Wade Clark, Economic Development Manager, Advance Rockhampton
The prospectus was funded through the Cooperative Research Centre for Northern Australia, Making Water Work program, in collaboration with the Queensland Government and Sunwater.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Tony Williams, Rockhampton Regional Council:
“We are seeing significant investment in agriculture across our region with over $1 billion in agricultural industry developments, including Rookwood Weir, Rural Funds Management’s macadamia orchard, Mort & Co’s new feedlot and fertiliser factory developments.
“We know we need to secure new jobs and opportunities going forward and agriculture can play a big part of that.”
“We have one of the largest and most reliable water catchment systems in Australia with great transport links, a skilled and diverse workforce and a pro-investment Council, there are real and genuine opportunities here in the Rockhampton Region.
“Already, the Fitzroy Region produces 13 per cent of Queensland’s $13 billion annual value of agricultural production with significant gains to be made.”
“Irrigated agriculture alone has the potential to add an extra $280 million of annual value to local agricultural production and we want to see investments in the Food Bowl accelerate going forward.
Wade Clark, Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager:
“Advance Rockhampton is Rockhampton’s leading economic develop and industry engagement body and has a strong focus on developing agriculture projects across the region."
“We know the potential of the Fitzroy Food Bowl and the role agriculture can play in achieving the outcomes of our Economic Development Strategy.”
“Rockhampton Regional Council through Advance Rockhampton has a strong partnership approach towards investment attraction and demonstrating the clear benefits the region has to offer.”
“I encourage all agriculture proponents to get in contact with Advance Rockhampton and discuss the opportunities in our region.”
A copy of the Fitzroy Food Bowl Investment Prospectus can be found at https://www.advancerockhampton.com.au//Fitzroy-Food-Bowl-Investment-Prospectus
For additional photos and vision from the event please contact advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au
ENDS