Greenlife Industry QLD

09/06/2026

Innovation isn't just for broadacre farming.

From automated nursery operations and smarter irrigation systems to biosecurity tools and AI-powered inventory management, technology will play an important role in the future of Queensland's greenlife industry.

That's why the Queensland Government's new $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund is worth watching.

In our latest article, we explore what the fund could mean for growers, production nurseries and allied businesses, and the types of innovations that could help improve productivity, resilience and sustainability across our sector.

Read more: https://greenlifeindustryqld.org.au/news/30-million-farming-innovation-fund-opens-new-opportunities-for-queensland-greenlife-businesses/

Queensland’s new $30 million Farming Innovation Fund could support AgTech, automation, biosecurity and productivity innovations across the greenlife industry.

09/06/2026

📢 GIQ Member Business Opportunity - Palmwoods Tropicals

After decades of growing quality tropical plants in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Palmwood Tropicals is now being offered for sale.

Located at 708 Obi Obi Road, Obi Obi on the Sunshine Coast, this established wholesale tropical nursery presents a rare opportunity to acquire a well-known greenlife business with extensive infrastructure, water security and lifestyle appeal. Palmwoods Tropicals is recognised for its diverse range of tropical plants and long-standing presence in the industry.

Property highlights include:

✅ 20 hectares in the picturesque Obi Obi Valley
✅ Irrigation licence with 48 megalitres of water allocation
✅ Established nursery infrastructure and growing facilities
✅ Can be purchased as an ongoing concern with existing contracts, or as nursery structures and lifestyle acreage
✅ Proven wholesale nursery operation in a highly sought-after horticultural region

We thank the Palmwoods Tropicals team for their contribution to Queensland's greenlife industry and wish them every success as they embark on this next chapter.

📢Please share this opportunity with anyone looking to invest in Queensland's nursery and horticulture industry.

Website: www.palmwoodtropicals.com.au
Real estate listing: https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-obi+obi-149291712

Perfectly positioned in the lush Obi Obi Valley, Ferndale is a magnificent 50 acre holding where natural beauty, character and opportunity combine. With the sparkling Obi Obi Creek as its boundary and rich, flat pastures stretching as far as the eye can see, this is a property that captures the very...

08/06/2026

⏰ JUST 2 DAYS TO GO!

If you're looking for quality stock, fresh varieties and great buying opportunities, make sure you're at Northshore Wholesale Trade Day this Wednesday!

Here's a sneak peek at some of the products heading your way:

🌱 Plants of Palmwoods
- Cordylines in 6 stunning varieties

🌳 Topiary Madness
- 12" Happy Plants - $55 ex GST
- Ficus Emerald Topiary

🌸 Brisbane Valley Wholesale Nursery
- Kalanchoe - 18 varieties, all in bud ($6.50 ex GST)
- Leptospermum 'Pink Cascade' - covered in flowers ($12 ex GST)
- Syzygium Select (Lilly Pilly) - bushy & ready to go ($11.50 ex GST)

And that's only a small sample of what's on offer!

📅 Wednesday 10 June
📍 Northshore, Hamilton
⏰ Buying starts from 7:00am
☕ Coffee & food available

One morning. Dozens of suppliers. Thousands of plants.

Register as a buyer today: https://forms.zohopublic.com/liligreenlifei1/form/BuyerRegistrationBrisbaneTradeDays/formperma/MoPtdarRwuITab8Cq55F4bIVde4B8q_xiq0K2NbIW74
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03/06/2026

Discover what's waiting for you at Northshore Trade Day next week! 🌿

With some of South East Queensland's leading growers and suppliers all in one place, Trade Day is the perfect opportunity to source quality stock, discover new varieties and connect with industry peers.

Here's just a taste of what you'll find on the day:

🌱 Big Leaf Wholesale Nurseries - featuring 'Fat Boy 2.0 -'
🌱 Tamborine Mountain Nursery - featuring 250mm Macho Fern Hanger $21 (normally $25.60)
🌱 Brisbane Pot Company - featuring a stunning multi-level pot fountain

Whether you're stocking a retail nursery, sourcing for landscaping projects or looking for something new for your customers, you'll find plenty of inspiration on the ground.

📅 Wednesday 10 June
📍 Northshore, Hamilton
⏰ Buying starts from 7:00am

Free buyer registration: https://greenlifeindustryqld.org.au/trade-days-2026/

02/06/2026

Toowoomba growers and industry friends - we'd love to see you at our next Toowoomba Branch Social Event.

Join fellow nursery professionals for a relaxed evening of great conversation, industry updates and local connections.

Hosted by Toowoomba Branch convenor Peter Macqueen and proudly sponsored by Quality Plastic Products, this is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues, meet new faces and stay up to date with what's happening across Queensland's greenlife industry.

We're also pleased to welcome special guest speaker Riaan Breedt from Yates, who will share insights into the Yates product range and discuss how their solutions can support the nursery industry.

Food and soft drinks provided.

📅 Wednesday 10 June
📍 Toowoomba City Library
⏰ 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Members and non-members welcome.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/toowoomba-branch-social-wednesday-10-june-tickets-1990064523561?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join fellow nursery professionals for a relaxed evening of great conversation at our upcoming Toowoomba Branch Social.

02/06/2026

📢 Annual Wage Review Update

The Fair Work Commission has today announced increases to minimum wages and award rates.

✅ National Minimum Wage employees will receive a 6% increase
✅ Employees covered by Modern Awards will receive a 4.75% increase to relevant classification rates

These changes take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

For many businesses, the key question isn't just the percentage increase - it's understanding which Award applies, employee classifications, and whether current pay rates remain compliant.

GIQ members will receive detailed guidance in the coming days on what these changes mean for greenlife businesses, including practical steps to review wages and ensure compliance.

Not a GIQ member?

This is exactly the kind of support you're missing out on. Through our membership, eligible members have access to expert HR advice and compliance support to help navigate workplace obligations with confidence.

Stay tuned for more information and member resources.

https://greenlifeindustryqld.org.au/join/

02/06/2026

🚨 Fire Ant Update: Recent Rainfall Increasing Activity and Spread Risk

Recent wet weather across South East Queensland is creating ideal conditions for increased fire ant activity and raising the risk of spread.

After rain, fire ants become more active, build nests higher above the ground, and may establish new colonies. Flooding can also trigger rafting behaviour, allowing colonies to survive and relocate to new areas.

For nursery and greenlife businesses, now is the time to stay vigilant.

✔️ Inspect production areas, stockpiles and disturbed soil
✔️ Check machinery, equipment and vehicles for attached soil before moving off-site
✔️ Be aware of fire ants in growing media, pots, trays and other materials stored on the ground
✔️ Report suspected fire ants or nests within 24 hours

Fire ants are one of the world's most invasive pests, and early detection is critical to preventing their spread.

Read more on our website: https://greenlifeindustryqld.org.au/news/increased-rainfall-raises-fire-ant-activity-and-spread-risk/

Recent wet weather is increasing fire ant activity and spread risk across South East Queensland. Learn what nursery businesses should do after rain.

01/06/2026

What will Brisbane's Olympic legacy look like in 2032 and beyond?

In his latest opinion piece, GIQ CEO Colin Fruk explores why creating a greener, cooler and healthier city will be just as important as delivering stadiums and transport infrastructure.

From urban tree canopy to shaded green corridors, the living infrastructure we invest in today will help shape the Brisbane our communities enjoy long after the Games are over.

Read the full article here: https://zurl.co/ZDyJu

As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, GIQ CEO Colin Fruk argues that urban greening and living infrastructure must be treated as essential city-building, not an afterthought.

31/05/2026

🚜🌱 Don't miss the Queensland stop of the 2026 Growing Smarter Together National Roadshow!

Garden City Plastics, in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Protected Cropping team, is bringing together growers, agronomists, researchers, suppliers and industry partners for a day of innovation, practical insights and networking focused on the future of horticultural production systems.

📅 Thursday 11 June 2026
📍 Gatton Smart Farm – Department of Primary Industries
⏰ 8:00am – 3:00pm
🎫 FREE EVENT (Registrations Essential)

We're pleased to see Greenlife Industry Queensland CEO Colin Fruk attending this event alongside industry leaders and professionals from across the sector.

With registrations closing soon and places filling fast, now is the time to secure your spot!

🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2026-gcp-roadshow-growing-smarter-together-qld-tickets-1986188496259

The GCP Roadshow returns in 2026 - now with hands-on, on-farm learning and a new webinar series.

Registrations are now open for the first webinar, with more sessions and roadshow locations coming soon.

👉 View dates and register: https://gardencityplastics.com/gcp-roadshow-2026

28/05/2026

What an amazing achievement! Whoohooo.