A special multi-topic forum in Hughenden next week will explore how the beef industry can tap into northern development opportunities to create jobs and grow North Queensland’s economy.

The ‘Cattle, Carbon and the Untapped North’ forum – hosted by AgForce with the support of FTI Consulting – will be held at the Diggers Entertainment Centre in Hughenden from 9.30am to 5pm on Friday 9 December.

AgForce North Queensland Regional President Russell Lethbridge said North Queensland had natural advantages in agricultural production and enormous growth potential that could be unlocked with more investment from the public and private sectors.

“A strong agricultural sector underpins a strong economy, so an investment in the industry is an investment in Australia’s future,” he said.

“The announcement earlier this year that the Queensland Investment Corporation will buy 80 per cent of the North Australian Pastoral Company is just one example that demonstrates there is an appetite to invest in cattle businesses that are fully developed.

“The forum at Hughenden is a chance for North Queensland primary producers and industry representatives to learn more about agribusiness industry trends from FTI Consulting and get the latest market updates from Meat and Livestock Australia and Livecorp.”

Mr Lethbridge said opportunities for carbon farming were increasing in the north and north west, but there were a lot of issues land managers need clarified before they commit to a carbon project.

“Carbon farming can offer producers the opportunity to diversify their property’s income by earning credits for storing carbon or reducing greenhouse gas emissions on their land,” he said.

“For those considering entering the carbon market or who have already signed up, natural resources management specialist John Gavin and rural property valuer John Moore will outline how the Emissions Reduction Fund works and the impact on property values.

“It’s going to be a busy day with lots of interesting discussions aimed at getting primary producers looking at challenges they face and ideas that can help them take their business forward,” he said.

Source: AgForce Qld. More information about the event is available at www.agforceqld.org.au in the Events Calendar.