Sunshine Coast nuts about Macadamias

Did you know the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay region combined account for 98% of Queensland’s and half of Australia’s macadamia nut production?

So it makes sense that the macadamia industry’s premier event, the Australian Macadamia Industry Conference, is being held at the Caloundra Event Centre this week.

Australian Macadamia Society CEO Jolyon Burnett said the three-day event had drawn more than 400 delegates, including the largest ever international contingent.

“Australia leads the world in the research, development and marketing of macadamias and the international community is keen to learn from the world’s best,” he said.

“The macadamia industry is an important part of the Sunshine Coast’s burgeoning agribusiness sector.

“Mount Bauple has been widely acknowledged as the ancestral home of the macadamia nut and our world-leading breeding program is housed at Nambour's Maroochy Research Facility, so it is only fitting that we hold our 2016 conference in a destination that provides an inspiring and relevant environment for our participants.”

Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Stephen Robinson said Sunshine Coast Council was proud to be hosting this important national event.

“Council has a strong focus on supporting Food and Agribusiness as one of the seven high value industries identified in our Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS),” Cr Robinson said.

“This industry contributes around $535 million to our local economy each year and currently employs more than 5,000 people. Our region is home to more than 900 agricultural businesses including world class companies like Nutworks, Buderim Ginger, Gourmet Garden and Co Yo.

“We really value the macadamia industry, which generates around $38.5 million in economic value locally and we want to learn what other value-add support we can provide to help this industry grow.

“Under REDS we have a dedicated Food and Agribusiness Industry and Investment Plan that is overseen by a private sector taskforce headed by Chief Operating Officer of Gourmet Garden, Andrew Eves-Brown.

“Over the last 18 months between council and this taskforce there have been some key achievements, like $27million in new capital expenditure and the creation of 230 new jobs to the Sunshine Coast generated by Agribusiness.

“The industry has seen the development and launch of a Food and Agribusiness Network which already has more than 110 member companies.

“Council has also partnered with Moreton Bay Council this year to launch of the ‘Sweetest Job’ campaign which has generated an additional 130 local jobs and increased the number of locals working on strawberry farms across both council areas by 40%.

“The strawberry industry zero-waste program is also exploring ways to develop value-added products and innovative solutions to reduce the amount edible waste and agricultural plastics used in the industry.

“We have also undertaken research to map supply chains and identify segments which are significant or unique in terms of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, and Australia.  As a result, we are helping to develop industry clusters including speciality dairy and local food producers aiming to assist smaller producers.

“Around 70% of macadamia crop within Australia is sold in five overseas markets and our region certainly values exporting. Under our Regional Economic Development Strategy we’re aiming for 20% of goods produced in our region to be exported by 2033 and to help drive this into action we have a series of export development programs, networking events, export awards and one of the largest export networks in Australia with around 400 members.

“So there is a great culture of collaboration here on the Sunshine Coast and some great projects happening in partnership with our neighbouring regions.

“With major infrastructure developments underway including the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Maroochydore CBD, Caloundra South, and Palmview the prospects for continued business growth are exponential.”

Business Events Sunshine Coast, Business Events Manager, Tiffany Bower said securing the Australian Macadamia Industry Conference for the Sunshine Coast region was fitting as the epi-centre of the macadamia nut.

“We are delighted to attract, welcome and support a conference of this significance to the region and estimate its value upwards of $700,000 to the local economy,” she said.

“Further to this, the conference program includes exciting pre and post touring opportunities for delegates showcasing the region from Gympie to Caloundra - a machinery field day, golf day, cocktail reception at Queensland Air Museum and tour of attractions, markets and restaurants. These additional elements provide flow on effects for a range of businesses throughout the wider region and provide a platform for repeat visitation.

“I’m sure the national and international visitors will be impressed with the Sunshine Coast welcome and our local producers will appreciate having this conference in their own backyard as they look to enhance their businesses.”

The conference starts on Wednesday, October 19 at 8am at the Caloundra Events Centre. For more information click here

Fast Facts about the Macadamia Industry

• The Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay region combined accounts for 98% of Queensland’s and 50% of Australia’s macadamia nut production.
• Just north of Gympie is a little town called Bauple where in 1858 they discovered a very edible nut and named it the ‘Bauple” nut, now commonly known as the macadamia nut
• Macadamia shells when combusted yield an enormous amount of energy so the plant uses previously discarded macadamia shells to generate enough 'green electricity' to power around 1,200 Queensland homes every year. This in turn reduces greenhouse gases by 9,500 tonnes annually, which is equivalent to taking more than 2,000 cars off the road every year.
• Sunshine Coast hinterland growers are often mixed crop farmers, with macadamias as one of their most important crops.   They are predominantly family farms operated by resident owners.