September 1, 2022
Kingaroy’s recent BaconFest has received a big rap in State Parliament.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner told Parliament on Thursday that he couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate Queensland’s pork industry than the South Burnett.
“The pig industry today is worth $370 million to our economy and employs thousands of Queenslanders in good jobs right across the State,” Mr Furner said.
“Earlier this month I travelled to the South Burnett to celebrate all things pork at BaconFest in Kingaroy.
“And I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate Queensland’s pork industry than the South Burnett. After all, the State’s biggest processor Swickers is based there, employing close to 1000 locals.”
Minister Furner reminded Parliament that the State Government had worked with Swickers to help the company rebuild after its devastating fire in 2016.
“The first BaconFest back in 2018 attracted 8000 people,” Minister Furner said.
“But speaker I can guarantee that number was easily surpassed at this year’s edition.
“People from all over the State packed into the main streets of Kingaroy to celebrate the pig.
“But not just pork, all that the South Burnett has to offer including the local peanut and wine industries.
“I want to give a massive shout out to the Chief Baconeer Kristy Board and her nearly 200 volunteers for putting on such a crackling weekend.
“I was privileged to speak at both openings on Friday night and Saturday morning.”
Minister Furner said the Queensland pork industry has had some challenging times.
“Years of drought and COVID have disrupted the operations of many producers,” he said.
“The ongoing biosecurity threats of African Swine Fever and Japanese Encephalitis have also proven a challenge but the Palaszczuk Government has been with our producers every step of the way.
“Biosecurity Queensland has been working with the industry on these threats right from the start.”
Minister Furner said an extra $22 million had been allocated to boost Queensland’s biosecurity capacity, including up to 15 new staff, as well as support to ensure producers have their own biosecurity preparedness strategies.
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