Dr LIM - 1995-05-23
What steps is the minister taking to ensure that the Northern Territory's citrus industry reaches its full potential? Has the minister considered ways to identify the market potential of Territory citrus, and markets that may be worth targeting?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, over the last few years, a number of growers in the Top End and in other parts of the Northern Territory have planted various varieties of citrus trees. There is a growing need for my department and the government to examine the potential of that industry. To that end, I instructed my department to commission a consultant to report on the potential of the Northern Territory's citrus industry.
Mr Ede: A bold move.
Mr PALMER: Yes.
The study will focus on the directions to be taken by government and citrus growers to ensure that the full potential of the industry is realised. The terms of reference for the study were circulated to the local industry for comment, and expressions of interest were then called. The local industry was consulted on the choice of consultant, and I am pleased to announce that the well-respected firm of Scholefield Robinson Horticultural Services has been appointed to carry out the said study. This firm has worked for the Northern Territory government before, carrying out a broad study of the horticultural industry for my department. More recently, it has been employed by the Asian Development Bank to carry out horticultural studies in both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Territory study will cover a range of citrus products from oranges through to pomelos. It will define the current and future potential for these products on the Australian, Asian and European markets. It is critical that the Territory citrus industry is based on variety and maturing seasons that can provide us with an advantage in the marketplace.
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Once completed, this study will provide a clear statement on the citrus industry in Australia and in other countries competing with the industry's development in the Northern Territory. Growers will then have up-to-date information on the markets for the industry to develop, covering the type of product required, expected prices and data on the amount each market would or could absorb. The report will also assess the potential for sustained production in individual regions, such as Darwin, Katherine and central Australia. Infrastructure and research, and the needs for industry development will be canvassed as well. This will ensure that the Northern Territory government's approach to these aspects is integrated fully with the overall development of the industry and the industry's needs. The final product should be presented to government by the end of July this year. I look forward to reporting back to honourable members on its findings.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, over the last few years, a number of growers in the Top End and in other parts of the Northern Territory have planted various varieties of citrus trees. There is a growing need for my department and the government to examine the potential of that industry. To that end, I instructed my department to commission a consultant to report on the potential of the Northern Territory's citrus industry.
Mr Ede: A bold move.
Mr PALMER: Yes.
The study will focus on the directions to be taken by government and citrus growers to ensure that the full potential of the industry is realised. The terms of reference for the study were circulated to the local industry for comment, and expressions of interest were then called. The local industry was consulted on the choice of consultant, and I am pleased to announce that the well-respected firm of Scholefield Robinson Horticultural Services has been appointed to carry out the said study. This firm has worked for the Northern Territory government before, carrying out a broad study of the horticultural industry for my department. More recently, it has been employed by the Asian Development Bank to carry out horticultural studies in both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Territory study will cover a range of citrus products from oranges through to pomelos. It will define the current and future potential for these products on the Australian, Asian and European markets. It is critical that the Territory citrus industry is based on variety and maturing seasons that can provide us with an advantage in the marketplace.
Page 606
Once completed, this study will provide a clear statement on the citrus industry in Australia and in other countries competing with the industry's development in the Northern Territory. Growers will then have up-to-date information on the markets for the industry to develop, covering the type of product required, expected prices and data on the amount each market would or could absorb. The report will also assess the potential for sustained production in individual regions, such as Darwin, Katherine and central Australia. Infrastructure and research, and the needs for industry development will be canvassed as well. This will ensure that the Northern Territory government's approach to these aspects is integrated fully with the overall development of the industry and the industry's needs. The final product should be presented to government by the end of July this year. I look forward to reporting back to honourable members on its findings.
Page 607
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016