During the 2025 Estimates Hearings, Sandy asked various questions on behalf of our primary producers and residents, covering agricultural chemical use, support for farm gate produce, artisanal products and other agricultural production, as well efforts to reduce agricultural waste and more.

The Minister for Primary Industries answers can be seen in our summary at www.sandybolton.com/estimates-hearings-2025-summary-august-2025 however we have collated below. We would appreciate any feedback on the information provided from Noosa state electorate residents to inform our ongoing advocacy via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Questions and Answers

Q. With the SDS identifying an objective for Queensland Biosecurity Services to ensure agricultural chemical use is in line with community expectations, and funding of $350 million (SDS p. 5,9) can the Minister provide details on what budget allocation is available to address chemical trespass issues being experienced in Queenland?

Minister for Primary Industries: The management of agricultural chemicals in Queensland is part of a national system involving both State and Federal regulatory agencies, with various departments contributing to a comprehensive approach. Key State Government bodies, such as WorkSafe Queensland and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), oversee the impacts of chemical misuse or spray drift. Biosecurity Queensland, within the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), directly regulates the use of agricultural chemicals, supported by an indicative budget of approximately $1.59 million (based on 2024-25 data) for agriculture and veterinary chemical management, along with significant in-kind support within Biosecurity Queensland. Operating with a flexible approach, Biosecurity Queensland allocates resources across different areas to meet community needs. Furthermore, as part of the Crisafulli Government’s election commitments, $60.9 million over five years and $19.2 million ongoing funding will enable the recruitment of 100 additional biosecurity officers, enhancing biosecurity operational capacity.

Q. With the budget providing $30 million for the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund (SDS, p. 1), can the Minister provide details on what grants and other support to primary producers will be available for farm gate produce, artisanal products and other agricultural production as part of an overall agri-tourism promotion strategy?

Minister for Primary Industries: Under the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 strategy, actions are being taken to enhance visitor experiences through the development of agritourism and Queensland’s broader visitor economy. Initiatives such as farm stays and on-farm experiences aim to improve profitability for producers while showcasing Queensland’s diverse offerings to both local and international visitors.

These efforts align with the Government’s goal of achieving $30 billion of primary production output by 2030.

Budget allocations through DETSI and Tourism and Events Queensland will support infrastructure, events, and experience development, building capability to double visitor expenditure and deliver lasting benefits to Queensland communities.

Q. As above, can the Minster report on funding that may be provided to farmers to address cost/access issues to mobile abattoirs in order to support local farm produce, farm to gate, artisanal food production, and agri-tourism meat processing in Queensland?

Minister for Primary Industries: While the Queensland Government does not provide specific funding for mobile abattoirs or meat processing, a range of grants and support services are available across Government and industry that may be relevant. DPI’s Rural Economic Development team offers facilitation support to agribusinesses and investors, helping them identify suitable grants and navigate government processes to establish and grow agribusinesses in Queensland.

Q. With the budget of $250 million to provide ‘primary industry prosperity’ (SDS, p. 9), can the Minister provide what changes the government is undertaking to reduce agricultural waste, including fruit and vegetables, such as produce discarded due to not meeting retailer specific requirements, etc?

Minister for Primary Industries: The Enabling Primary Industries Prosperity Budget for 2025-26 is $275.85 million.

Addressing food waste on farms requires tackling a complex set of market and systemic challenges that limit producers’ ability to align production with market demand. Reducing this waste involves improved market coordination, data sharing, and supply chain reforms.

To this end, DPI is investing approximately $4.32 million until 2028 in End Food Waste Australia, one of the world’s largest food-waste research and development initiatives. This program focuses on transforming how industries and consumers view and manage food waste. Key projects delivered by DPI under this initiative include:

  • controlling over catch in oyster production, targeting a potential lost value of more than $20 million annually
  • monitoring and improving the banana supply chain to reduce downgraded consignments, currently valued at an estimated $1.75 million
  • investing in regional waste transformation capacity to convert snack tomatoes into high-value food products, with an estimated market value of $33 million
  • reducing food waste in strawberries by exploring the transformation of lower grade produce into new marketable products
  • transforming rescued food into shelf-stable meals, potentially saving 150,000 kilograms of food annually.

Further information

Updates on many local matters are available on Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360. To receive information straight to your email inbox, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter via www.sandybolton.com/newsletters. This also ensures you receive any future Noosa related surveys or polls.