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Local Views On Agribusiness Get A HearingA recent Victorian State Government Inquiry at the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre as part of an investigation into the issues faced by farmers and agribusiness. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 11th September 2009 - Back to News On Tuesday, 25 August, a committee chaired by George Seitz MP, Member for Keilor, addressed the issue of Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer Suburban Melbourne.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Economic Development Manager, Peter Francis, said the committee heard submissions from a range of local farmers and other interested parties.
"The Committee Members were thrilled with the quality of the submissions and the issues that were highlighted on the day," said Mr Francis.
"It was a great opportunity to discuss specific Bass Coast matters and drill down into the detail of the issues facing our agribusiness sector."
Submissions included presentations from Council officers, Landcare, local farmers and Agribusiness Gippsland Inc.
"Members of our Economic Development team outlined issues we face, such as rural tourism development and the need to preserve high quality farming land," explained Mr Francis.
"The Landcare presentation focused on the work they are doing to educate and assist farmers to care for their land and ensure a sustainable future for the agricultural sector.
"Alex Arbuthnot AM, Chair of Agribusiness Gippsland Inc., spoke about the pressures impacting on Bass Coast and Gippsland from development in the outer edge of Melbourne."
Local farmers, Bill Cleeland, Ewen Cameron and Greg Price raised a range of issues with the Committee.
"The farmers’ submission dealt with the impact of rising property rates on farm viability," said Mr Francis.
"They also talked about the need for planning regulations to evolve and support current and future farming trends.
"As a result of the hearing, Council officers met with some local farmers to discuss the issue of rates on rural properties across the Shire."
Committee members also went on a tour of several local agricultural properties, including the Big Flower Farm.
"This was an opportunity for Committee members to hear first hand the issues facing those investing and working in the agricultural sector in Bass Coast," said Mr Francis.
The final report will be tabled in Parliament next year, when all the hearings around Australia and overseas have been completed.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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