Among the grants highlighted by the report was one of $500,000...

Among the grants highlighted by the report was one of $500,000 to Cairns Mushrooms in the Queensland seat of Leichhardt, held by the Liberals. It was approved in November 2004 despite the department's advice that, "It does not represent value for money … There are significant concerns about the project viability."

Non-viable? Mushrooms are labour intensive and Edmonton needs a bit of a leg up. That's what these programmes are about, providing jobs where needed.

Welcome to Cairns Mushrooms

Cairns Mushrooms are the only grower of White Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
Located on a purpose-built facility in Edmonton, ten minutes south of Cairns city, Cairns Mushrooms’ vision is:
To consistently supply the people of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland with the freshest and highest quality White Mushrooms.
Built to incorporate the latest mushroom growing technologies, Cairns Mushrooms is the most advanced facility of its kind in Australia.
The result of over five years of research and development, Cairns Mushrooms harvested its first crop in March 2007 and was officially launched in May.
Specialising in the production of Australia’s most popular mushroom, in Button, Cup and Flat form, Cairns Mushrooms is committed to satisfying Cairns’ market demand for a consistent, high quality product.
Start your day with a Cairns Mushroom.

http://www.cairnsmushrooms.com.au/