The Bundaberg Regional Council has launched the new AgTech Hub at Bargara in Queensland, unlocking agricultural technology for local farmers across the region.
“The adoption of AgTech by producers is key to the future profitability and sustainability of Queensland’s agricultural supply chain,” minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, and minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said.
“The regional AgTech Hub will strengthen the state’s $18.5 billion agricultural sector and align with the Queensland government’s commitment to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions across industries.
“Agriculture is a critical part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan and investments like these will help it go from strength to strength.”
Agribusinesses in the Bundaberg area will have access to emerging technology and services, at the early stages of commercial release.
“CQ University is using the hub as a base to attract tech companies to the region and trial cutting edge agricultural technologies, including advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, block chain and traceability systems with producers and their supply chain partners,” Furner said.
The area is home to unique and diverse agricultural production, Bundaberg Regional Council mayor Jack Dempsey said.
“This lends itself to the development of AgTech across many fronts and we must be at the forefront of the AgTech revolution,” Dempsey said.
“There is so much opportunity in agriculture for data collection and precision farming going forward, that it could open up a whole new world. It’s an excellent opportunity for our local producers and the wider industry and we want to be driving it.
“In recognition of that, Bundaberg Regional Council has re-purposed our former administration building at Bargara specifically to provide a nexus for a nationally and globally significant regional Agtech ecosystem,” he said.
“Bundaberg Regional Council is appreciative of the support we have received from all levels of government for this AgTech facility, including the CQ University’s Hinkler AgTech initiative.”
The Bundaberg AgTech Hub received seed funding and support from the Queensland government.
“The future is looking bright, with the state’s AgTech sector ready to respond and support agribusiness to address their challenges and embrace new opportunities,” Furner said.
For information about the Bundaberg AgTech Hub in Queensland, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/agtech.