The Central Highlands beef sector grew by $120 million in 2015-16, and the industry was not alone – with the entire region experiencing significant growth.
Recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data has shown that, in terms of agricultural GVP per hectare, GVP per capita and growth, the Central Highlands is advancing well.
From July 2012 to July 2016, the average value ($) generated per hectare increased at a cumulative growth rate of 12 per cent, which compares to 6pc nationally.
Beef continues to power the Central Highlands agricultural economy growing $120 million to $540 million GVP in 2015-16.
On the back of sustained high prices, beef continues to power the Central Highlands’ agricultural economy growing $120 million to $540 million GVP in 2015-16.
While cereal crop plantings were down, chickpeas sent pulses racing, with the region contributing strongly the $660 million export of chickpeas from Queensland in the 2015-16 financial year.
Cotton production also increased in value from $40 million to $54 million in the same period. The region remains a strong performer in the crops in which it specialises; Central Highlands produced 65pc of Queensland’s table grapes, and 90pc of Queensland’s mandarin exports.
Queensland Government funding announced in July to support the CQ Inland Port intermodal freight hub at Yamala and a new rail siding connecting to the site is expected to be a game changer for the sector.
Graincorp has said it will build a new state-of-the-art grain handling facility at the site ready for 2018 chickpea receivals.
- Liz Alexander, CHDC Agribusiness Development Coordinator
