Revealed: Bundaberg’s role in Qld’s $30b agricultural transformation

Bundaberg’s sugar sector gears up to drive Queensland’s $30bn agricultural growth with fresh innovation and research breakthroughs.

Bundaberg region key in driving $30b growth for primary industries

Plans for an ambitious farming future across Queensland have been revealed, with Bundaberg — one of the state’s major food producing regions — taking centre stage.

The Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perret and Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett, met with key cane growers and sugar production leaders in Bundaberg on Tuesday, to chart the next steps.

The minister’s visit comes as part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader 25-year road map to grow Queensland’s primary industries and boost output to $30bn by 2030.

“Cane growers and sugar processors across the state will play a key role in helping Queensland primary producers hit the ambitious target we have set,” Mr Perret said.

Mr Bennett said “Agriculture in our region is already worth over $2bn and we’re committed to taking it even further.”

Strategies to maximise innovation and boost output were central to the minister’s visit.

During his time in Bundaberg, the minister announced the opening of Sugar Research Australia’s state-of-the-art Innovative Research & Industry Services (IRIS) Laboratories.

Key canegrowers and sugar production leaders have met with Minister Perrett and the Member for Burnett across the region. July 22, 2025.

“[They] will keep this industry at the forefront by international standards,” he said.

Local industry leaders welcomed the ministerial attention.

Bundaberg Canegrowers Ltd Chairman Mark Pressler said the visit by Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett to Bundaberg demonstrated the value of sugar and other agricultural commodities from this region.

“Despite the huge number of other crops grown in the region sugar cane is the backbone that built the region’s prosperity and still provides critical functions in the local economy,” he said.

Mr Bennett said “Agriculture in our region is already worth over $2 billion and we’re committed to taking it even further.”

Bundaberg Canegrowers Ltd Manager Tanya Howard said they were delighted to welcome Minister Perrett to Bundaberg to demonstrate the significance of our local sugar industry.

“From our farms to the factories and onto supermarket shelves, our region boasts the entire supply chain,” she said.

Originally published as Revealed: Bundaberg’s role in Qld’s $30b agricultural transformation