Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh
November 6, 2012
The South Burnett’s new Crop Protection Officer Michael Benham was welcomed to the Kingaroy based role today by Agriculture Minister John McVeigh.
Mr McVeigh, who was attending this morning’s Cabinet meeting in Kingaroy, said the new position would be “a great asset” for the region’s rural producers.
“The appointment is one of 15 new frontline positions created to deliver on-the-ground assistance to regional Queensland communities,” he said.
Mr Benham is a fourth generation primary producer with 25 years experience as a farmer, grazier and citrus grower in both the Central Burnett and Central Highlands, as well as representing industry bodies.
He also holds qualifications in horticulture and agriculture, and worked as a Biosecurity Inspector in Emerald for the past three years.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington congratulated Mr Benham on his appointment.
“Having managed broad-acre cropping properties myself, I know how important it will be for the growers to have local support,” she said.
Mr McVeigh said the Newman Government is revitalising the biosecurity front line by recruiting talented, passionate people to fulfil these roles.
“Positions have been created in known biosecurity risk areas to boost the already high level of professional expertise needed to prepare for, detect and respond to biosecurity incidents.
“Biosecurity Queensland is a dynamic agency within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) which plays a critical part in strengthening the protection for our agriculture industry.”
Mr McVeigh first flagged the creation of the new position in May this year.
The decision was welcomed by Agforce at the time as “a positive first step”, but local grazers said they thought the South Burnett had a greater need for a new Tick Officer.
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