Region welcomes Consul General of Japan

The Lockyer Valley recently welcomed the Consul General of Japan Mr Hosaka for a meeting with Mayor Tanya Milligan to discuss potential investments in the region.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said this was a great opportunity to showcase our region's potential to international investors interested in our agriculture industry.

As the mining boom is fading, many companies are turning their interest to agriculture and placing a stronger focus on where and how their produce is grown, Cr Milligan said.

Being counter-seasonal to the Northern Hemisphere, Australia has an advantage over America in the Japanese market.

The Lockyer Valley is known to be Australia's Salad Bowl' and the fact that we have clean, green and safe produce is something that resonates well with the Japanese consumer, Cr Milligan said.

Investment into our region's economy would bring a number of opportunities for jobs and growth of our agriculture industry, particularly in the area of exports.

The visit was well-received and I look forward to future conversations.

The Lockyer Valley's connection with Japan also continues to strengthen with the continued support from the regional schools.

Every year, Lockyer District High School hosts a number of Japanese exchange students and I would like to commend them and the other participating primary schools for adding value to this program, Cr Milligan said.