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Future Of Farming In Bass CoastMore than 35 people attended a round table on "The Future of Farming" held at the Civic Centre in Wonthaggi on Thursday, 8 March 2007. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 27th March 2007 - Back to News The round table was organised by Council’s Economic Development team and Agribusiness Gippsland, to look at the different issues affecting local farmers.
Council’s Economic Development Manager, Stephanie Symes said she was extremely happy with the results of the round table.
"There were some very lively discussions on a diverse range of issues," said Ms Symes.
"It was a great opportunity for people to share their thoughts and to hear a number of different perspectives on the issues."
Ms Symes said there were a variety of reasons the round table had been held.
"Agriculture is one of our major industries and one that we need to keep," said Ms Symes.
"Farmers are feeling the impact of rapidly rising land prices, the increase in population, the number of people buying lifestyle properties in the area, as well as the drought.
"The average age of our farmers is over 50 and many of these people don’t have anyone to take over from them when they retire," continued Ms Symes.
"In light of all these issues, we felt it was important to provide this opportunity and to look and see what the future may hold for our famers."
At the conclusion of the discussions, a number of areas were identified as warranting further investigation.
Rural Strategy:
- This included examination of local policies, building flexibility into the policies and the creation of a reference group.
Value Adding:
- Looking at locations for value adding industries and even the possible creation of precincts.
Water:
- Securing an adequate water supply to ensure the viability of farming.
Excision of small blocks:
- Subdividing larger rural blocks – analysing the pros and cons.
Rural rating strategy:
- Looking at alternative ways to rate rural properties.
"These are certainly some of the major issues facing our farmers," said Ms Symes.
"The round table also helped identify some areas where real opportunities existed.
"With value adding, we could focus on creating opportunities for industries that could process existing local produce. For example trying to build on the local dairy industry by encouraging cheese making," continued Ms Symes.
Ms Symes said it was not surprising that water emerged as a hot topic.
"Obviously everyone is feeling the effects of the drought," said Ms Symes.
"We normally have a high rainfall, which makes us a very desirable agriculture area.
"To preserve the value of our land, it is vitally important that we secure a water supply for our farmers."
The issue of subdividing land was also a contentious issue.
"For some farmers, the ability to sell of a small portion of their land is a way of generating income, either to fund improvements to their current business, or to act as a retirement fund," said Ms Symes.
"But subdivision of this type also takes valuable agricultural land out of production."
The round table was attended by Bass Coast farmers, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Regional Development Victoria, Agribusiness Gippsland and staff from Council’s Planning, Valuation and Economic Development teams.
Ms Symes thanked everyone who accepted the invitation to attend the round table.
"People were very generous with their time and their ideas," Ms Symes said.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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