Mark Furner announces former Emerald Ag College to be major hub for industry research
The former agricultural college will be repurposed as a cutting edge facility to drive innovation in the industry.
Central Queensland
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The former Emerald Agricultural College facility will continue to drive industry innovation as it is redeveloped into a major hub for agricultural research, creating ‘hundreds of jobs’ as a result.
Minister Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ (DAF) Emerald Research Facility would be redeveloped into the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre.
“As part of the 2021 State Budget, the Emerald facility will be reborn as an innovation flagship that brings together Research, Development and Extension (RD & E) in areas such as farming systems, agronomy, crop innovation and plant protection, together with the latest innovations in AgTech and data sciences to deliver a world-class research hub for Queensland’s cropping sector,” he said.
“In a significant win for the agriculture industry, opportunities for industry-relevant horticulture research will also be explored.”
Mr Furner said the Emerald location was ideally suited to the new facility, which would provide cutting edge technology for agriculture and create hundreds of jobs.
“The Emerald property has both the necessary size and suitable soil types for extensive RD & E activities that support the significant grains sector in the Central Queensland region,” he said.
“DAF is currently in discussions with the Central Highlands Regional Council and Central Highlands Development Corporation on alternative options regarding the tenure and future use of the campus and related areas at the Emerald site.”
Mr Furner said the Budget had also allocated ongoing funding to maintain the former QATC properties at Emerald and Longreach for future uses.
“Negotiations will continue with interested parties to identify suitable repurposing options for the former Longreach Pastoral College,” he said.
Queensland’s Plan for Economic Recovery is expected to include a strong focus on research and development in the agriculture sector.
“Queensland’s vibrant agriculture industry contributes just over $19 billion to the State’s economy and the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre is a major opportunity for the region to play a big part in the sector’s future,” Mr Furner said.
“Our commitment extends to improving skills and education in agriculture with $9.75 million in TAFE training infrastructure for the agriculture sector across Queensland over the next two financial years including in Bowen, Cannonvale, Bundaberg and Toowoomba.
“This month’s budget shows the Palaszczuk Government will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers as we work towards a smart future for our agriculture sector.”
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