Queensland election 2017: AgForce to host 'politics in the pub' Townsville forum

AgForce general president Grant Maudsley said agriculture was one of the foundations of the Queensland economy, especially in the north, and the forum would provide an opportunity for all political parties to outline their plans to help drive the industry forward.

"Demand for our high quality food and fibre is growing but for Queensland agriculture to achieve its full potential, we need governments to adopt the right policy settings so farmers can get on with the job of feeding our state, our country and consumers across the world," he said.

"Regional Queensland is in the spotlight perhaps more than ever before in this state election and north Queensland voters in particular will have a huge role in shaping our next state government.”

The first week of the official campaign period has seen Labor announce its vegetation management policy and carbon fund while the LNP has outlined a regional water infrastructure plan, and AgForce expects there will be more announcements in the next two weeks relevant to agriculture.

The free forum is aimed at the wider northern region, with invitations extended to all candidates and voters from the electorates of Townsville, Mundingburra, Thuringowa, Burdekin, Hinchinbrook and Traeger.

"It promises to be an interesting and informative event and I encourage anyone with an interest in agriculture to come along and hear what the political aspirants have to say,” said Mr Maudsley.

The forum will be held at the Commonwealth Hotel, 46 Allen Street, South Townsville from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday, November 16, with former ABC Rural journalist Pete Lewis to MC the event.

The Queensland Country Life will be livestreaming the forum on queenslandcountrylife.com.au

There will be an opportunity for audience questions. Interested people can register on AgForce’s events page.