Summary

There is an identified need for collective industry action on transforming North Queensland’s agriculture, production, infrastructure and export sectors to meet existing and future international market demands.

Establishment of a long-term regional investment strategy and a multi-industry agreement is critical to ensuring that North Queensland’s agricultural and supply chain can access the significant growth opportunities that the region possesses.

The project will investigate how North Queensland is currently positioned within its capacity to supply and export internationally to ensure producers within the region are well informed to maximise production opportunities and meet future international agricultural demand.

The research will include initial market assessments, market-based production and supply chain opportunity assessments. It will identify areas of improvement to market access, clarify where policy and regulatory barriers exist and will seek alignment with DFAT, AUSTRADE and TIQ agendas.

Expected outcomes

• $3 billion in unmet global market demand across 10 of Australia’s leading agricultural export destinations for 5 identified priority products: beef, avocado, macadamia, on-shore aquaculture and soybean.
• Approximately 2,000 new jobs across the North Queensland region.