31 March 2009
DAFF09/225B
The Rudd Government today announced it had committed $2.2 million in funding to help showcase Australian beef to the world through the nation’s largest beef cattle event - Beef Australia 2009.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke and Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore announced the funding today in Rockhampton.
The funding has been provided under the Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) initiative, which is part of an election commitment to support the growth of innovative food industries.
Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) supports national events which aim to boost innovation in the food and fibre sectors and improve efficiency along the supply chain.
Mr Burke said he met with Beef Australia organisers last year in Rockhampton with Kirsten Livermore and he was pleased the event had been successful in securing the funding.
“The beef industry makes an enormous contribution to regional economies and communities and is worth an estimated $7.6 billion each year in annual gross value,” Mr Burke said.
“Beef Australia is a highlight for the industry, with around 60,000 domestic and international visitors predicted to attend the event this year.
“The event builds stronger relationships between all the sectors of the beef cattle supply chain and helps to promote vital research and development.
“It also helps to develop existing and new opportunities in export markets, with delegations from around 30 countries expected at this year’s event.”
Member for Capricornia, Kirsten Livermore, said she was shining her RM Williams boots in preparation for Beef Australia 2009.
“Like everyone around town, I’m excited that Beef is only five weeks away,” Ms Livermore said.
“And it is great to hear from Geoff Murphy and Noel Landry that this year’s expo will be bigger and better than ever.
“Beef Australia generates millions of dollars for the local community. It also puts Rockhampton on the world stage as the beef capital of the country.
“That is why I’ve worked with Minister Burke to secure this $2.2 million of funding from the Rudd Government to help make the event such a success.”
Beef Australia 2009 is a triennial event and will run from 4 to 9 May in Rockhampton.