Industry Focus
Industry Focus: Agriculture & Tourism
Agriculture in the North Burnett region is both abundant and diverse. Primary industries account for the major income and include citrus, beef, fodder crops such as lucerne, small crops, pork, broad acre crops, mining, timber and milk production. The North Burnett region produces food and fibre for national and overseas export markets.
Citrus
The area is home to one of the leading citrus-producing regions in Australia. Local packing and processing co-operatives supply national and international markets with fresh produce. Large quantities of juice concentrate is also produced for use by major beverage companies.
Other Crops
Other horticultural crops successfully grown include blueberries, pecans, table grapes, stone fruit, mangoes, avocadoes, rockmelons, potatoes, peanuts and asparagus. The population in the region often swells during harvest time with the influx of Australian and overseas workers. Traditional field crops grown include lucerne, barley, wheat, sorghum, corn, cotton and pasture legumes. Many growers have diversified into or are using bean crops such as mung, soya and navy beans in their rotational plan.
Beef and Dairy
Historically, the region had a strong base in beef and dairy production. While not many dairies remain in the region, there are still dairies in operation in the Coalstoun Lakes and Monto areas.
Beef on the other hand still enjoys a strong following with a meat works in Biggenden and selling complexes operating in Biggenden, Eidsvold and Monto. Regular sales are held at all centres and major meat works buyers and restockers give strong support. The opportunity to utilize local grain and hay production has seen the development of a number of feedlots in the region to add value to product before consignment.
Pork
There a number of Pork producers in the region, capitalising on the availability of high quality grains grown locally and proximity to markets.
Timber
Timber has always played an important role in the development of the region. This is particularly evident in towns like Mount Perry which once relied heavily on this industry. The establishment of plantations to ensure a constant supply of quality hardwood has expanded in recent years. There is also an industry based around the hoop pine plantation at Kalpowar where logs are transported to Gladstone and made into paddle pop sticks.
Mining
Mining is playing an increasing role in the region with the ongoing operation of the gold mine near Mount Perry and the Siltstone quarry at Eidsvold. The possible development of other minerals and resources at various locations around the region have the potential to bring prosperity to the North Burnett.
Tourism
With a wealth of natural beauty and biodiversity, the North Burnett is developing a thriving tourism industry. Situated along Australia’s Country Way, and conveniently located to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, the North Burnett is the ideal self-drive weekend destination. For more information about what to do when visiting our beautiful region head over to our Visit North Burnett website!