GREG Robbins, one of the highly repsected champions of the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has signed off today.
Leaving a legacy of enthusiasm for staff growth and satisfaction behind him, Greg Robbins' last day with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will be a day tinged with sadness for the many who have worked with him.
A great mentor for his staff, and well respected throughout industry and government circles, Greg's long career in agriculture has seen him wear many hats over his 40 years with the department.
"I'm not sure if my metamorphosis has been complete or incomplete," says Greg, executive director for Industry Development.
"Or some sort of mutation of the two, but I know I've been very lucky to receive the opportunities I have, and more importantly, to have worked with the people I have."
Greg was one of ten students to win a Department of Primary Industries' Undergraduate Scholarship back in 1974, starting his career at Brian Pastures Research Station at Gayndah.
"We enjoyed an enormous amount of industry interaction during my time in Gayndah, culminating in enormously successful open days in 1987 and in 1992 - both attracting more than a thousand people.
"These were great days of incredible intellectual firepower," recalls Greg.
Renowned for his easy yet professional manner with people, Greg particularly relishes his relationships with a cross-section of industry along the supply chain, such as with industry group Meat and Livestock Australia.
"My recent roles have allowed me greater access to the "big end" of industry and I have really enjoyed that. Being able to work closely with the major influencers in the industry has been a career highlight for me."
Greg's influential reputation with industry really took off in the early 90's when he and his colleagues established the first Regional Beef Research Committee in Queensland with industry. During this time, Greg also worked with the North Australia Beef Research Council and saw the council blossom through inspired leadership. He later helped establish and then lead the department's beef institute.
Greg's progression from Undergraduate to Executive Director for Industry Development has been an impressive one, with his research into the productivity of grazed pastures stamping his mark in the world of agricultural research.
The research highlighted the importance of nitrogen cycling to productivity, and informed major changes in production practices to increase animal productivity. Later Greg's focus was in research and extension management, before rounding out his career in agriculture industry development policy.
"I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the staff I have worked with over the years, we are nothing without our professional, competent and hard-working staff," says Greg.
A 'tragic' rugby fan, Greg will be sorely missed not only for his inspirational leadership, but for his terrible tipping skills too - something his impressive career has been unable to cultivate.
Greg's future plans include a nice long break, some long overdue DIY, plenty of time with the grandchildren, and possibly some consulting work in the future.
* Queensland Country Life in on sale in all good newsagents from Thursday.
