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HORTICULTURE featured heavily the 2016 Bundaberg Region Promotion Night held at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane last week.
More than 100 guests, including Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, were treated to a culinary tour of the Bundaberg and Burnett region's finest produce while also enjoying an array of interactive displays from the region’s peak organisations and tourism operators.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett hosted the event, now in its fourth year, to showcase the region’s best products, experiences and services in the Queensland capital to draw in more visitors.
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) was on hand to showcase the rich, vibrant horticultural commodities and value-add products from the Wide Bay-Burnett to reinforce the region’s position as the state’s food bowl.
The special event also featured the region’s biggest names including Bundaberg Rum, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and Bundaberg Sugar, as well as upcoming local companies such as the Bargara Brewing Company and Baffle Beer Brewery.
Mr Bennett said it was clear Bundaberg was powering on after suffering from two major flood events.
“The Wide Bay-Burnett is a major contributor to the state’s economy and to have multi-million dollar success stories coming out of our region and still going strong should make us all incredibly proud,” he said.
“The Bundaberg and surrounding region’s horticulture industry continues to grow year to year and we are one of the largest production horticulture regions in Australia.
“The region has a farm gate value of about $500 million and injects more than a billion dollars into the economy, playing an important role in our nation’s food security.”
BFVG managing director Bree Grima said it was a great opportunity.
"The Wide Bay-Burnett is a vibrant region rich in horticultural commodities and value-add products," Ms Grima said.
"Showcasing this produce to our Queensland political representatives and Premier at Parliament House is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce our position as Queensland's Food Bowl."