Biosecurity is at the forefront of Queensland’s state budget, while a previously-promised innovation fund hopes to drive agricultural growth
Helping to strengthen agriculture while protecting the state from biosecurity challenges have formed a large part of Queensland’s state budget for the industry.
The Department of Primary Industries budget includes $60.9 million over five years on biosecurity efforts, which will include 100 additional frontline officers at biosecurity hotspots with regionally focused action plans on invasive species such as Varroa mite and feral pigs.
There will also be $24 million over two years for aerial suppression activities aimed at reducing fire ant densities.
A $30 million ‘Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund’ – which was announced late last year – has been funded and hope to future-proof the industry by encouraging agtech adoption and promoting new techniques.
This is supported by a 25-year blueprint called ‘Primary Industries Prosper 2050’, which includes five-year action plans and aims to drive investment, create jobs and unlock opportunities.
Queensland’s state government has set a target of $30 billion in farm gate output by 2030, and primary industries minister Tony Perrett says this budget will support the goal.
“We are backing primary industries by beefing up biosecurity by delivering the first of 100 additional officers across the regions with a focus on biosecurity hotspots,” he says.
“We’ve made industry-changing progress over the last six months by conducting the largest stakeholder engagement exercise in at least the last decade; 2025-2026 will see Primary Industries Prosper 2050 supported by a new $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund.
“Queensland’s primary industries are being delivered a budget that focuses on what they need to enable them to produce world class food, fibre and foliage for Queenslanders and the world.”
Another significant budget announcement is $51.9 million over four years to support the state’s Farm Business Resilience Program, Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program and Drought Preparedness Grants.
There is $6.4 million to support research at Gatton Research Facility, Redlands Research Centre, and the Emerald Smart Cropping Centre, plus $4.5 million over two years for a “bigger and better” Beef 2027 event in Rockhampton.
A Far North Queensland cane expansion plan will also be developed with Canegrowers Queensland.