Farming has been synonymous with Australia's development since settlement - and it continues to play an integral role in South East Queensland’s future.
Being a member of National Party and now the Liberal National Party, I pride myself on promoting a party that believes in the advancement of the rural sector and in assisting farmers whenever we can.

Back in Eastern Europe our families were self-sufficient, and both my parents grew up on small farms.

There are more than 4,000 farms in South-East Queensland and these farms generate about $800 million in farm gate production annually.

Lately there has been allot of talk about the intensive horticulture industry in Logan City and how these farms impact the immediate communities around them.

The only real problems for our community is in the suburb of Greenbank, where long narrow blocks in a semi rural subdivisions have been long established and farms with no buffers have subsequently established close to their neighboring properties.

Logan Council receives many complaints about chemical spray drift, lack of amenity and noise from these industries. Despite all of the communities concerns, there are many good examples of great farming techniques.

One good example of a great farm which uses cutting edge practice is Scott and Jenny Maxwell's hydroponic farm in Tamborine. The Maxwell's successful loose lettuce farm, Tamborine Hydroponics, was an example of ''smart farming'' which would benefit the immediate and wider community for many years to come.

The Maxwell's have been farming in Tamborine for the past three years and the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system they use is a prime example of how modern faming can not only be a viable business, but also an agreeable neighbour.

The NFT system operates on tables above the ground and allows the Maxwells to efficiently grow their loose lettuce in recycled running water without the use of soil - the water actually comes from an on-site bore.

Recently Logan Councillors, along with the Mayor of Scenic Rim Regional Council, Cr John Brent, inspected other successful Farmers' Gardens throughout the city including farms at Greenbank, Park Ridge, Chambers Flat, and South Maclean.

Read this story about our tour; 14.10.2009 Jimboomba Times, 'Leaders look at gardens', pg 10

Unfortunately we only looked at the success stories. From a town planning perspective we must also address the issues raised by residents who live next door to farms that may not be doing the right thing.

It is estimated that horticulture creates about 463 jobs in Logan with the industry responsible for about $77 million to our local economy.

Farmers' Gardens have unfairly received some criticism from some quarters in the past but I want to assure residents that farms like Tamborine Hydroponics have a real place in our community.

This farm is not intrusive, non-pollutive and employs seven staff - as well as supplying many local and Brisbane-based businesses with produce.
To my mind, farms like this should always have a place in Logan.