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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
Question on Notice No. 1624 |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Oct 26 2005 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (MR NUTTALL)- What is the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) doing to support profitable growth and capacity in the emerging lifestyle horticulture industry?
ANSWER-
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) takes a whole of value chain approach to defining the lifestyle (formerly amenity) horticulture industry. It includes those businesses involved in the production of mostly non-food horticulture products including ornamental, fruit and vegetable and forestry plants, cut flowers and foliage and turf grass. It also includes the delivery of a wide range of services involving these products.
Although the lifestyle horticulture industry is still considered to be 'emerging', it is already one of Queensland's largest primary industries and is expected to contribute an estimated $1.5 billion annually to the Queensland economy by the end of this financial year. It also provides employment to more than 10 000 Queenslanders.
Strong population growth, rising demand for housing and other infrastructure, tourism-related development, and the incorporation of more 'green' open space in community plans have underpinned strong growth in the lifestyle horticulture industry in the Gold Coast region over recent years. For example, a recent survey of the nursery sector of the lifestyle horticulture industry in the Gold Coast region indicates that there are in excess of 60 production and retail nurseries in the area. These businesses employ 750 people and record annual sales of about $34 million.
DPI&F is committed to facilitating the continuing economic development of the lifestyle horticulture industry in Queensland through a range of initiatives, including providing tangible support for the Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture (ACLH).
The ACLH is an Australian first. Key industry and professional associations in the lifestyle horticulture industry have formed a single entity (the ACLH) to establish critical mass and to work with government and other industry stakeholders on a range of collaborative industry development projects.
DPI&F has constructed a new $3 million building at its Redlands Research Station that will house the ACLH support unit, representatives of a number of lifestyle horticulture industry associations, as well as a range of DPI&F staff working to support further profitable growth in the lifestyle horticulture industry.
Priority areas of activity for the ACLH include export development, water issues, research and development, labour and professional development issues, securing industry funding opportunities, the establishment of industry alliances and whole of industry marketing initiatives.
DPI&F will also provide departmental staff to work on a number of these priority industry development issues. DPI&F also provides a range of research, development, and extension services to the Queensland lifestyle horticulture industry. For example, DPI&F researchers are assisting Queensland turf producers to establish and maintain high quality turf through improved access to effective pest, disease and weed control alternatives.
DPI&F staff are also developing best management practices for salt-affected parks and public open spaces, and working with sports field curators to demonstrate efficient irrigation practices. Since commencing demonstrations in July 2005, excellent irrigation savings have been achieved whilst still providing fit-for-purpose playing surfaces.
DPI&F is also working with the industry to undertake additional water issue research and development projects over the next 12 months to underpin water conservation initiatives across the lifestyle horticulture industry. Areas of investigation will include wastewater recycling in production nurseries and improving water use efficiency in public open space.
Technology transfer in the lifestyle horticulture industry has also been facilitated by DPI&F through the provision of a range of information services.
DPI&F has also provided support to build the capacity and sustainability of a number of the peak industry associations in the lifestyle horticulture industry, sponsored a range of industry forums and resourced industry development projects initiated by a number of industry associations. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 12:00 AM
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