From the early days of settlement, our fertile lands, abundant water supply, and ideal climatic conditions have provided the perfect environment for grazing.
Our forefathers recognised the potential and embraced the challenges of pioneering the beef industry in this rugged yet rich land.
Our Region’s reputation as the Beef Capital grew steadily, driven by the hard work, determination, and innovation of our local producers.
From family-owned farms to large-scale operations, our community has remained resilient, adapting to changing times while staying true to our agricultural roots.
From these humble beginnings to what is now a thriving hub for the beef industry, Rockhampton has built a lasting legacy.
As we look ahead, I am excited that we are now less than twelve months away from hosting the country’s largest Beef Exposition – Beef Australia.
We all know that Beef Week is the pinnacle of the beef industry—an unparalleled celebration of our agricultural heritage and the extraordinary achievements of our local producers.
This world-class event provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing cutting-edge innovations that will shape the future of the beef sector.
And as the Region gears up for this great event, we are welcoming some great news with more economic development opportunities coming to the Region.
I am pleased to share that Mort and Co, one of Australia’s largest privately owned beef cattle lot feeding, management and marketing companies has recently made a substantial investment in our region.
Their investment further cements Rockhampton as a prime destination for beef production and signifies the growing confidence in our region’s ability to excel in the industry.
The Mort and Co Gogango Feedlot will be one of the largest in Queensland with 36,500 Standard Cattle Units and will provide the region with 65 direct full time jobs.
Mort and Co is expected to begin construction in 2024 and it’s anticipated there will be a $31.1 million economic contribution to the Rockhampton economy, and inject $53.2 million in to the regional economy.
We will also see as part of their plans, a $15m state-of-the-art fertiliser factory at Gogango which will repurpose all the estimated 43,000 tonnes of manure from the feedlot. Trials have already shown the fertiliser holds great potential in reducing the leeching of nitrate into waterways and it will assist the Fitzroy Food Bowl cropping and horticulture developments.
Their belief in Rockhampton’s capacity to support and sustain the beef industry has paved the way for new jobs, enhanced infrastructure, and a renewed sense of optimism.
Their commitment also serves as a testament to the immense potential they see in our community.
Council’s dedicated Advance Rockhampton Economic Development has been instrumental in building strong relationships with industry stakeholders like Mort & Co and will continue to work with them to promote local content opportunities for the construction of the feedlot.
Their dedication to driving economic growth and attracting investments has played a pivotal role in positioning Rockhampton as the go-to destination especially when it comes to the beef industry.
And while we are forging new partnerships we are nurturing close ties with our existing companies, like Teys who I caught up with last week over a working lunch.
Their continued modernisation and expansion of the Lakes Creek complex are key factors driving further growth and employment opportunities in our region also.
Our local producers, then and now, have set the standard for excellence in farming and beef production, so I take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to our hardworking farmers and industry partners.
Together, we will continue to embrace new opportunities, nurture the foundation that was laid before us, and continue to solidify Rockhampton’s position as a global leader in the beef industry for generations to come.
