UQ's Centre for Native Floriculture is investigating new floral species as part of its work to provide services to Queensland’s native floriculture industries.
The Centre receives continued funding via the Department of State Development and Industry (DSD&I) and the University.
It carries out a range of research and industry development work to strengthen native floriculture industries and has a range of industry projects currently underway, according to Centre Director, Professor Daryl Joyce.
“Dr Margaret Johnston leads the Floriculture Program which focuses on the development and commercial release of new floriculture products,” Professor Joyce said.
“Dr Johnston and her associates identify and collect and trial attractive plants which are found in the wild, selecting those which offer the strongest attributes for plant improvement via breeding.”
“The floral species currently under investigation may well have application in regional Queensland to promote and encourage outback tourism, as well as being immediately suitable as cut flowers, flowering pot plants and/or water-use efficient garden specimens.”
While helping realise direct commercial benefits from novel native plant species, the Centre also hosts an Industry Development Program. This program is working with communities in rural and regional Queensland to help diversify and grow their income bases and create employment opportunities through native floriculture products.
According to Industry Development Program Leader Professor Richard Williams, the project will work to identify a range of opportunities to assist in establishing value-added plantation and nursery businesses, as well as complementary activities such as tourism.
“The project team will identify regions with potential for developing commercial native floriculture production," he said.
"The team will work with landholders and community organisations to establish the resources and infrastructure needed by potential growers to enter the industry.
"The Centre will also provide training packages in production and marketing, knowledge critical to the operation of a successful floriculture business.”
Marg Cover is a key member of the Industry Development Program who has been recently appointed as Industry Development Officer. She has many years of experience in similar roles within the grain industry and will work closely with growers and the community to establish industry networks and coordinate development of targeted training packages.
Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587). Further information/comment: Contact Marg Cover (5460 1307)
