The impacts of rising input costs, poor returns and labour shortages remain high on the priority list for the region’s horticulture growers in the wake of the Federal Election result. Welcoming returning MPs Bob Katter (Kennedy) and Warren Entsch (Leichhardt), and new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said growers were facing incredible challenges to remain profitable.

Our growers are among some of the most resilient farmers, especially when dealing with adversity like that thrown at them by Mother Nature, but the challenges they are currently facing may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The fuel excise announced as part of the last Federal Budget was welcome relief for households, however, it did little for our farmers who are forced to pay at least double and in certain situations and sometimes triple for farm inputs. Biosecurity is a priority to protect our industries, with any pest or disease incursion likely to have a devastating impact. A safe, reliable and efficient transport network remains high on the list, without which the growth of horticulture will continue to be hampered. This includes lobbying for the extension of the National Highway to include the Kennedy Highway, Cairns to Mareeba, including Kuranda Range Road, and completing the seal of Ootan Road. Our labour industries continue to be challenged sourcing and retaining labour.

Mr Moro said.

For media enquiries, call Lea Coghlan