beef means burps

Anna still does not make the connection between cars, coal and COWS and climate change.

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Joint Statement: Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin

17/04/2009

Backing beef in Rocky: Bligh

The Beef Australia 2009 expo to be held in Rockhampton next month is expected to inject millions of dollars into the local economy and significantly boost export trade income.
In celebrating the eighth Beef Australia Expo (Mon 4 to Sat 9 May), the Queensland Government will have a significant presence through pavilions, property tours, mobile office, meetings, committees, trade fairs, seminars and workshops.
Premier Anna Bligh said with more than 60, 000 people expected to attend from around Australia and overseas, it would be a great forum to showcase the best that the Queensland beef industry had to offer in terms of science, sustainability and innovation.

"This is an excellent opportunity to see first-hand how Queenslanders work hard to produce the best beef in the world, create a strong industry powered by bright ideas, and protect our lifestyle and environment," Ms Bligh said.

"Domestic and international exhibitors will demonstrate the latest industry innovations from genetics to live cattle, and handling equipment to cattle management software.

"A strong trade focus makes Beef Australia 2009 the perfect opportunity to make contact with the widest possible number of beef and cattle suppliers in the one place at the one time in Australia," she said.

Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said at Beef 2006 expo, about 60,000 people attended with an estimate of over $50 million dollars generated from trade.

"Rockhampton is the beef capital of Australia and we are proud to host the Beef expo, which attracts a range of people from the general public through to major players in the beef industry," Mr Schwarten said.

"The five-day Beef 09 expo will feature Australia's largest stud, carcass and commercial cattle competitions as well as property tours, seminars and hundreds of domestic and international trade exhibitors."

Primary Industries and Fisheries is the lead agency for the Queensland Government's involvement with Beef Australia 2009.

Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Minister Tim Mulherin encourages delegates to visit the Queensland Government Pavilion for information about skilling and careers, business and community development, science and innovation, sustainability and health.

"Biosecurity Queensland Officers will be available to answer any farm biosecurity issues as well as presenting the latest National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)Express mobile phone software technology," the Minister said.

"There will be daily Queensland wine tastings and safe food production lunchtime activities.

"At the Durack Pavilion, Primary Industries and Fisheries will also be launching the Australian Tropical Livestock Genetics website, which will provide a primary access point to overseas customers interested in purchasing Australian tropical livestock genetics."

The Queensland Government's major business matching program Handshakes 09 will also be rolled out during the expo, providing a unique opportunity for Australian and international enterprises and specialists in the meat and livestock industry to explore business opportunities and meet face-to-face.

Mr Mulherin said the range of services and activities to be showcased at Beef 09 was proof of the government's commitment to working with industry.

"Our aim is to strengthen our producers' capabilities and improve access to new markets and deliver better trade outcomes," Mr Mulherin said.

Beef 09 delegates can also visit the Queensland Government's Mobile Office in the Centre Arena for beef services advice.

Another highlight is the comprehensive workshop and seminar program, including leucaena production, FutureBeef, livestock transport and e-business solutions.
Partnerships with Queensland Government, Austrade, the International Livestock Resources and Information Centre (ILRIC), Meat and Livestock Australia, Quadrant Australia, peak industry bodies and breed societies will see international delegations from up to 30 countries attending.

For more information visit the Beef Australia website www.beefaustralia.com.au
Media: Minister's Office 3239 3120