Lessons from Queensland’s horticulture and aquaculture sectors highlight the power of collaboration and applied research in driving regional innovation.

The 2025 APEN (Australasian Pacific Extension Network) Conference brought together extension professionals, researchers, and industry leaders from across Australia to share ideas, approaches, and success stories in agricultural extension. The event provided valuable insight into how collaboration, innovation, and local engagement are shaping the future of primary industries.

Part of the conference involved a regional study tour to Bribie Island, exploring how extension is supporting industry growth and biosecurity management across Queensland’s horticulture and aquaculture sectors. The day highlighted the importance of connecting research with practical, on-the-ground application, a theme that strongly aligns with VegNET Gippsland’s work in Victoria.

The first stop was a visit to a site within the fire ant suppression zone, facilitated by Austin from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. This session provided a close look at the scale and complexity of managing invasive pests at the community and industry level. It reinforced the value of proactive communication, risk awareness, and coordinated response — lessons highly relevant to all regions facing biosecurity pressures.

Next, the group visited Piñata Farms, where we were hosted by the farm manager for a tour and discussion on their production systems and workforce management. The conversation highlighted the company’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement. It was particularly insightful to see how structured management practices and investment in technology are supporting efficiency and resilience in large-scale horticultural operations.

The final stop was the Bribie Island research facility, facilitated by senior extension officer Luke Dutney, where the group explored current research and extension efforts supporting Queensland’s growing aquaculture industry. The facility highlighted how applied science, industry collaboration, and effective extension practices are enabling diversification and productivity gains.

The APEN Conference provided a timely reminder that effective extension is built on trust, collaboration, and context specific support. The learnings from Bribie Island — from pest management to farm innovation and aquaculture development — echo the work being done in Gippsland to strengthen grower networks and drive innovation through local partnerships.

For VegNET Gippsland, these insights reinforce the importance of connecting global and national knowledge with local action.

The discussions and examples from APEN will help inform future extension approaches in the region, from improving communication pathways and on-farm adoption to building the capability of growers to embrace innovation. By engaging with national networks like APEN, VegNET Gippsland continues to ensure Gippsland’s vegetable industry remains informed, connected, and ready to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.

FIND OUT MORE
Please contact Amanda Gould on 0474 500 380 or email amanda.gould@foodandfibregippsland.com.au