- Happy New Year from the QFF team. Our first President’s Column of 2025 has explored some of the key advocacy areas QFF and our members will be prioritising in the year ahead, including water and energy, infrastructure, and biosecurity. Read it here.
- Today the Federal Government has announced it will fund 80 percent of the $9 billion required to upgrade all sections of the Bruce Highway to a minimum three-star safety rating on a five-star scale. QFF join RACQ in welcoming today’s announcement and are relieved that both the Federal Government and Opposition have committed to an 80:20 investment split with the Queensland Government for long term upgrades to the Bruce Highway. The focus now shifts to getting on with the urgent works needed to address what has become an emergency situation. Read more here.
- Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – is it a pipe dream or the future of Queensland’s sugarcane industry? The latest episode of Canegrowers’ Around the Paddock podcast explores the potential of SAF, its connection to sugarcane, and how growers might play a pivotal role in transforming aviation into a greener industry. Listen here.
- Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) will be hosting its 2025 National Conference in Brisbane from 19-21 February. The event will bring together growers, retailers, suppliers, state association members and other important stakeholders from around the country to strengthen and celebrate the Greenlife sector. Register here.
- Are you a farmer in the Great Barrier Reef catchments with a sustainable farming practice project idea? Eligible farmer groups can now apply for funding of between $5,000 to $20,000 through the Queensland Department of Primary Industries’ Integrated Engagement and Capacity Building project. Applications close on Friday 7 February 2025.
- QFF’s Agricultural Digital Support Work Placement Program is assisting Queensland farmers to adopt and implement AgTech solutions. Read more here. The Agricultural Digital Support Work Placement Program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its VET Emerging Industries initiative.
- Join QFF corporate partner Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) and the SQNNSW Innovation Hub in Toowoomba on the 20 and 21 February for an exploration of the cutting edge of agrifood innovation, including robotics, automation and other tech-driven innovations. Secure your ticket here.
- Scientists are researching whether two biological tools used to control Australia’s rabbit populations are still working, with booming rabbit numbers leading to concerns the calicivirus and myxomatosis disease are losing their potency. Read more here.
- A partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will not only provide opportunities for Queenslanders to travel to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa but will also open up freight opportunities for Queensland exporters as well. Read more here.
- The Queensland Law Reform Commission is now consulting on the second part of their review, considering whether any recommendations for mining should apply to other resource production proposals. This includes petroleum leases and their associated environmental authorities. They are keen to hear from you and will be in Central and South West Queensland in early 2025. Read more here.
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