The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ (DAF’s) Emerald Research Facility is to be converted into the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre as part of the State’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said the outcome would result in Central Queensland becoming a major hub for agricultural research.
“The Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre is a major opportunity for the region to play a big part in the sector’s future,” Mr Furner said.
“The Emerald facility will be reborn as an innovation flagship that brings together Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) in areas such as farming systems, agronomy, crop innovation and plant protection, together with the latest innovations in AgTech and data sciences.”
He said it was a significant win for the agricultural industry, with opportunities for industry-relevant horticulture research also to be explored.
Mr Furner said the Emerald facility was ideally suited to its strategically important new role.
“The property has both the necessary size and suitable soil types for extensive RD&E activities that support the significant grains sector in the Central Queensland region,” he said.
“The DAF is currently in discussions with the Central Highlands Regional Council and Central Highlands Development Corporation on alternative options regarding the tenure and future use of the campus and related areas at the Emerald site.”
