On Thursday evening, 29 August 2019, a crowd gathered to see the official launch of the Monto Agricultural Strategy. The Monto Agricultural Strategy was funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund. BBRF as it is known is an Australian Government initiative, designed to create employment, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.
Mr Ken O’Dowd MP, Federal Member for Flynn performed official opening duties as local supporters watched on. Also in attendance was Mr Colin Boyce NP, State Member for Callide and Mr Paul Lobegeier, North Burnett Regional Council Division 1 Councillor. Representing the Burnett Catchment Care Association Board were Mr Paul Lobegeier and Mrs Beth Shanks.
Approximately 45 guests from the Monto district attended the official launch and had a wonderful time learning about the Monto Agricultural Strategy and mingling with fellow Producers. A highlight of the night was listening to guest speaker Mr Rob Cook. Rob humbly led guests through his life journey and included an insight into his multi-faceted and successful agricultural business.
The Monto Agricultural Strategy was developed by Burnett Catchment Care Association in partnership with the North Burnett Regional Council, Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation, Monto Growers Group and Farmstuff Monto.
The concept for the Monto Agricultural Strategy came from our local Monto farmers following the October 2017 flood event. When the aftermath of the October 2017 flood set in, local Producers’ resilience had been pushed to the absolute limit and they were left somewhere in between melancholy and despair. As a result, the application for the Monto Agricultural Strategy was born.
The Monto Agricultural Strategy aims to support the development of meaningful and long-lasting resilience by addressing the fundamental economic and Natural Resource Management foundations of the region. By carefully researching current agricultural practices, economic, market, consumer and environmental trends, the strategy provides a plan for long-term success that delivers a vision for the region’s agricultural and environmental sustainability. The strategy seeks to determine the support and infrastructure required for existing markets and examine value-adding opportunities to drive productivity and growth along the supply chain, ultimately empowering growers and yielding financial rewards for individual operations, the local economy and the wider community.
If you would like a hard copy of the published strategy, please contact Burnett Catchment Care Association on 07 4166 3898 or to download an electronic copy please click here!!