With more than three million cattle grazing in the region and global breeding expertise, Rockhampton is Australia’s beef capital.
The official countdown to Beef 2024 is underway, with 12 months to go to the country’s largest beef industry exposition.
Beef Australia Chairman Bryce Camm said with the event taking place between the 5th and 11th May 2024, anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of the Australian beef industry.
“It’s hard to believe that we’re here today, celebrating the event being just 12-months away”, Mr Camm said.
“Since its inception in 1988, the event has grown and evolved to become the flagship event in the Australian beef community that provides the opportunity for industry leaders, farmers, producers, consumers and everyone else in between to connect, share ideas, and showcase the very best of the Australian beef industry to the world, and the 2024 event will be no exception.
“Over the course of the week, we’re expecting to meet over 115,000 visitors from across the country and 10,000 international delegates back to the gates or online via our new Beef TV program.
“The program is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with more beef, more trade, more tech, more education, and more entertainment across a brand-new precinct-based program.
“On behalf of the Beef Australia Board of Directors, we look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 event and together, showcasing the diversity of the Australian beef industry to the world and its contribution to the national economy”.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt joined the Beef Australia Board in Rockhampton to mark the start of the official countdown.
“Beef is a massive event on the ag calendar, and has huge benefits for Central Queensland and the whole nation,” Minister Watt said.
“I’ve been to Beef twice before and I’m looking forward to returning, to spruik the industry as Agriculture Minister.
“The Albanese Government has contributed $6 million to Beef 2024 because we believe in the beef industry’s future. The impact this event has on the local economy and the trade deals it attracts for Aussie farmers last well beyond the event itself.
“With this extra funding, we’ll be able to see even more commercial exhibitors get a shot on the international stage and I’m confident Beef 2024 will be bigger and better than ever.”
Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said he’s looking forward to the 2024 event.
“Beef is always an extravaganza befitting the great city of Rockhampton, and Beef 2024 will be no different,” Minister Furner said.
“I’m looking forward to joining in the festivities to celebrate an industry and its people that are so important, not only to Central Queensland, but to the entire state.”
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said Beef 2024 was a quintessentially Rockhampton event.
“With more than three million cattle grazing in the region and global breeding expertise, Rockhampton is Australia’s beef capital,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“The Palaszczuk Government has invested a $1 million stake in Beef 2024 to help grow the event and the city’s world-class beef industry.
“We’re backing Beef Australia to launch Beef TV and integrate First Nations cultural programs to steer more domestic and international visitors to Central Queensland.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Beef was proven tourism gold.
“As a twin gold medallist at the Queensland Tourism Awards, plus the Australian Awards, the potential of the Beef industry’s premier event is enormous,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Beef 2021 brought a stampede of almost 116,000 visitors to the Rockhampton region, generating $94 million and supporting good Central Queensland jobs.
“It’s a perfect opportunity for domestic and international visitors to Beef 2024 to extend their stay and discover the region’s growing list of world-class tourism experiences”.
Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin said event organisers have revamped the event program to appeal not only to the beef industry, but the local Rockhampton community.
“At its core, Beef Australia is a beef industry event that offers attendees from across the supply chain the opportunity to explore the latest products, technologies, and innovations in the industry.
“More than that though, the event program has evolved to include a range of fantastic social events, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and exhibitions, appealing to a broader audience outside of the industry.
“We would really like to see more locals enjoying the event in 2024, so we’re excited to announce the introduction of M’Eat Street, a food, drink and entertainment precinct lined with food trucks, BBQs, bars and a free nightly entertainment program, perfect for the locals to enjoy a sundowner at after work or wind down the day with the family.
“Locals will also be able to enjoy access to the event each night on a new discounted weekly twilight pass, gaining them access to the Showgrounds from Monday – Friday after 3pm.
“With the event just 12-months away, the countdown is truly on to Beef Australia 2024.
“Mark your calendars, watch our latest promotional video, join our mailing list so you’re kept up to date with event announcements and become a member so you can gain access to early bird tickets towards the end of the year”.
For more information on Beef Australia 2024, visit www.beefaustralia.com.au
-Beef Australia