Mr WOOD - 2004-03-30
Your government has spoken in this House about the importance of the horticulture industry to the economy of the Northern Territory. In fact, we now have a fledgling export industry with 30 to 40 tonnes of rambutans going to Japan each year. Why then is your government cutting back on research into exotic fruits? Why are you trying to cut costs by offering the rambutan site at Coastal Plains to the growers to do their own research? I note that the growers will have to pay rent, water, and provide labour and equipment hire. Does the government have a policy on horticultural research? Is the government intending to close down Coastal Plains Horticultural Research Station?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. We are not going to close down the Coastal Plains Horticultural Research Station. We are not going to give up research on rambutans. The rambutans at Coastal Plains Horticultural Research Station were part of a 10 year trial. This was old root stock and now these trials have been completed. We met with the Chairman of the Rambutan Association, Dr Kerry Eupene and discussed different solutions regarding what to do with the trees. I do not think it is appropriate to get a chainsaw out and cut the trees down. Instead, we are prepared to work with the association to provide a grower-managed demonstration site.
We are not going to abandon the Horticulture Association or research into the horticultural industry. If you have a look at our web page, you will find there a number of services and also research taking place. You only have to visit the web page of the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development and you will find information about rambutans, mangoes, the horticultural industry and other initiatives.
I am aware that recently a caller to a radio station where the Chief Minister was doing a talkback show alleged that we are closing down the Coastal Plains research farm - that is not true. It is absolutely incorrect, and we will continue to support the rambutan industry all the way.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. We are not going to close down the Coastal Plains Horticultural Research Station. We are not going to give up research on rambutans. The rambutans at Coastal Plains Horticultural Research Station were part of a 10 year trial. This was old root stock and now these trials have been completed. We met with the Chairman of the Rambutan Association, Dr Kerry Eupene and discussed different solutions regarding what to do with the trees. I do not think it is appropriate to get a chainsaw out and cut the trees down. Instead, we are prepared to work with the association to provide a grower-managed demonstration site.
We are not going to abandon the Horticulture Association or research into the horticultural industry. If you have a look at our web page, you will find there a number of services and also research taking place. You only have to visit the web page of the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development and you will find information about rambutans, mangoes, the horticultural industry and other initiatives.
I am aware that recently a caller to a radio station where the Chief Minister was doing a talkback show alleged that we are closing down the Coastal Plains research farm - that is not true. It is absolutely incorrect, and we will continue to support the rambutan industry all the way.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016