FEDERAL politicians have been given a taste of north Queensland from one of it's biggest advocates - federal member for Kennedy, Bob Katter.
Prime minister Scott Morrison, deputy prime minister Michael McCormack and other federal politicians sampled food and beverage products from the Kennedy electorate when Mr Katter showcased the food bowl to federal parliament in early September.
The taste test of Kennedy included products from:
- Bingil Bay Beef
- Jacques Coffee
- Skybury Coffee
- Golden Drop Winery
- Rainforest Bounty
- Rainforest Heart
- Emerald Creek Ice Creamery
- Beach Harvest Australian Coconuts
- Nerada tea
- Gallo's Dairyland
- Mungalli Dairy
- All Fish for Dogs
- Charley's Chocolate Factory
- Bingil Bay Distillery
- The Whole Food Company
- Natural Evolution Foods
Mr Katter said his office had created the samples to show the nation's leaders what can be achieved when you "just add water" and a little bit of hard work.
"Kennedy is the nation's most successful fruit and vegetable bowl because we have water," he said.
"The Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook regions have the highest average rainfall of anywhere in Australia and on the Tablelands the Tinaroo Dam and Mareeba/Dimbulah irrigation scheme allow the area to flourish.
"This liquid gold means we can produce everything from bananas, to mangoes, avocados, potatoes, citrus, strawberries, coffee, nuts, sugar, dairy produce, unique wine and spirits, tea, honey, sugar cane, natural product ranges comprising of spreads, jams and cooking sauces - the list goes on."
Mr Katter said Kennedy's agricultural and industrial production could more than double if the State and Federal governments stopped talking about dams and brought the bulldozers on site.
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"The KAP have been in the trenches fighting for the Revised Bradfield stage one (Hells Gates Dam), the Big Rocks Weir, Hughenden Irrigation Scheme and the North Johnstone Transfer," he said.
"These four projects are just the first phase of our vision to turn North Queensland from a wasteland into a wonderland, from a dust bowl to a food bowl.
"With October's federal budget fast approaching we urge the government to invest in these water projects and fast-track their construction.
"We would like to thank all the local farmers and producers who contributed to the Kennedy food bowl.
"Their efforts were not in vain and left a strong impression with Scott Morrison and his ministers.
"We are ready, we are able to deliver to the country - just add water and vital legislation to promote and protect the food production and agricultural sectors.
"The size of the population in north Queensland will double bringing great prosperity."
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