Ian Burnett on Wyuna, his family’s farm near Emerald. Photo: AgForce Qld

THE DEATH of Central Queensland primary producer Ian Burnett has rocked Qld’s agricultural sector, and the Australian cotton industry.

Mr Burnett, 70, and his seven-year-old grandson died in an accident on the family’s property.

While the Queensland Police Service has not released their names, a spokesperson said a report will be prepared for the coroner following the non-suspicious deaths of two people on a private property at Wyuna, north of Emerald, on Sunday.

“Around 2.10pm, police and emergency services were called to Wyuna Road following reports an agricultural vehicle had rolled into a dam,” the spokesperson said.

“A 70-year-old man and seven-year-old boy were declared deceased at scene.”

Tributes flow

Mr Burnett is being remembered as a family man dedicated also to his community, and to the agricultural sector.

“Ian was more than a respected cotton grower – he was a leader, a mentor and a quiet powerhouse of Australian agriculture,” Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay said.

“To lose him so suddenly, alongside his young grandson, is a tragedy that has shaken the agricultural community in Queensland, particularly all those who know the family.”

Mr Burnett was a third-generation farmer, and started growing cotton in 1983 after moving from south from Clermont to the Wyuna district near Emerald.

He was heavily involved with organisations including the Central Highlands Cotton Growers Association, AgForce Queensland, National Farmers Federation, Rotary, and Qld’s Rural Fire Service, and was also involved in fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“Ian’s influence reached far beyond the farm gate.”

“His efforts were instrumental in securing funding for the construction of a new patient transfer facility at Emerald Airport.

“Ian was never one to seek recognition, yet his leadership was widely felt and deeply respected.

“At the heart of everything Ian did was family.

“He was immensely proud that his sons, including Cotton Australia’s immediate past chair Nigel Burnett and current CRDC director Ross Burnett, were continuing the farming legacy he worked so hard to build.

On behalf of Cotton Australia, I extend our deepest sympathy to Ian’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Emerald and cotton‑growing communities.

“Ian leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service and integrity and he will be deeply missed.”

Mr Burnett’s legacy at AgForce Qld has also been acknowledged.

With the organisation, Mr Burnett had been a CQ councillor, then state vice president from 2008 to 2012, before serving as general president from 2013 to 2014.

“We are all devastated by the loss of Ian and his beloved grandson,” AgForce general president Shane McCarthy said.

“Ian was a devoted family man, a respected leader and a genuinely community-minded person.

“He served as AgForce general president with distinction and remained heavily involved in agricultural advocacy throughout his life.”

“Ian was always available to support fellow Board members and elected representatives, offering guidance and perspective when it was needed.

“We often say we are following in the footsteps of giants – and Ian was one of those.”

Long-serving AgForce member Anthony “Bim” Struss reflected on a lifelong friendship and shared commitment to the agriculture sector.

“My friendship with Ian spanned more than 50 years from our days together on the football field with the Clermont Bears to standing side by side as advocates for our industry through AgForce.

“Ian was a thoughtful and reflective leader.

“He was not a man to make waves for the sake of it, but he led with truth, steadiness and determination earning genuine respect at the highest levels of government, while never losing sight of the members he represented.

“Above all, Ian was a family man.

“He was deeply committed to his children, always encouraging them to strive, while guiding them to make the most of their opportunities.

“Ian was also special to his grandchildren – they adored him and simply wanted to be with him.”

“Ian Burnett was a special person, a good man in every sense of the word. His love for his family, his community and the agricultural industry was clear in everything he did. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”

AgForce director and Central Queensland Regional president John Baker said Mr Burnett’s loss will be felt deeply by the community of Emerald and beyond.

“I’ve known Ian since our days together at Rockhampton Grammar School and was fortunate to continue that friendship over the years.

“Ian was a true gentleman, a dear friend, a great family man and a committed community man.

“In his position on the Central Queensland Regional Council, Ian was always positive, supportive and encouraging – he was the rock that we could lean on for guidance and advice.

AgForce would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Ian and his grandson.