Developing Cotton Industry Unites Across Northern Australia

Tue 09 July 2019

Key Agriculture Representatives came together at the North Australia Crop Research Alliance (NACRA) Field walks held in Kununurra this week.  With over 150 people in attendance to view the cotton and other various crop trials, the event showcased the future opportunities for agriculture in Northern Australia.

Well known agricultural developer Ron Greentree was the keynote speaker for the event and took the opportunity to announce that Cotton Growers in North Queensland, The Northern Territory and The Ord have joined forces to form the North Australia Cropping Alliance. Mr. Greentree said, “this is an opportunity for the industry across Northern Australia to unite and focus energies and resources to develop the cotton industry, create regional jobs and boost local economies in Northern Australia.”

“The cotton industry will energize agriculture across the north of Australia and will be the cornerstone of a new era in agriculture investment.  With this united approach from producers across Northern Australia we are sending a clear message to all levels of government that we are serious about creating a cotton industry and want to engage in mature conversations about policy settings to enable the industry to develop” Mr. Greentree said.

“The North Australia Cropping Alliance is keen to collaborate with all stakeholders to make this a reality.  We have significant investment and development partners watching with much interest.’ Mr. Greentree said

Mr. Bruce Connolly from Tipperary Station in the Northern Territory was buoyed by the success of his first crop which is currently being freighted to a Gin in southern Queensland for processing said “ We have a real opportunity to create a sustainable industry here in the north, with the significant research done here in the Ord by NACRA we are learning so much that will reduce the risks into the future.”

“The key areas for policy reform to create an industry was the ability to sub-lease pastoral properties, access to a consistent water supply and the construction of a Gin in Northern Australia.  The current application process for Non-Pastoral Use permits was far too slow and prescriptive.” Mr. Connolly said.

The North Australia Cropping Alliance wants to engage with all the people in North Australia to grow a product and an industry we can all be proud of.

Contacts:

Ron Greentree                  0427 255 562

Bruce Connolly                  0427 258 101