Agricultural
7 August, 2024
Toowoomba still State’s top agricultural region
The Toowoomba Region has maintained its standing as the best performing agricultural region in Queensland with a Gross Value of Production (GVP) worth $1.27 billion in 2023-24.
The figure also boosts the value of Queensland’s agricultural sector to its second highest ever valuation of $23.56 billion.
The Western Downs Region ($951 million) and Bundaberg ($899 million) round out the top three regions across the state.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said despite economic growth and diversification of the region’s economy over recent years, the agriculture industry today remains a major generator of economic value and jobs.
“About one in 20 jobs in the region are linked to agricultural production,” Mayor McDonald said.
Agriculture also has major flow-on impacts onto the rest of the Toowoomba Region’s economy, supporting jobs through supply chain linkages.
“Despite many challenges facing the sector including drier conditions and higher input costs our agriculture industries continue to be a major contributor to the region’s economic growth,” the Mayor said.
“The sector continues to lead on on-farm best practice and advancements in technology, while also navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by the renewable energy roll-out and associated land use planning considerations.
“This result is also a timely reminder of the critical importance of strategically protecting agriculture land for future generations so that we can all continue to enjoy the financial benefits for years to come.
The $1.27 billion is underpinned by diverse agricultural products across the region including egg production, cattle, cotton, horticulture, poultry and cereal crops such as sorghum, barley and wheat.
The latest valuation was based on new AgTrends figures released by the Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The total value of Queensland’s primary industry commodities is forecast to be valued at 23.56 billion, an
increase of 6.59 per cent from the previous year and an increase of 3.44 per cent on the average of the last five financial
years.
Highest GVP in 2023-24 by Local Government Area ($):
Toowoomba $1.27 billion
Western Downs $951 million
Bundaberg $899 million
Burdekin $735 million
Cassowary Coast $727 million
