AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY LAUNCHED AT FORBES

FARMERS in the Forbes community will benefit from today’s launch of an Agricultural Strategy made possible thanks to a $70,000 investment from the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government.

Forbes Shire Council is the first Local Government in New South Wales to launch an agricultural strategy, which was unveiled at the Central West Livestock Exchange.

Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, who secured the funding through round one of the Building Better Regions Fund – Community Investments Stream, commended today’s milestone event.

“Our farmers are the best environmentalists in the world, make no mistake about it,” Mr McCormack said.

“Today’s launch of the Forbes Agricultural Strategy is an important step to tackle a number of important opportunities and challenges which face the rural community.

“I commend Forbes Council for taking the initiative to organise this important guideline which was made possible through this Federal funding.”

Forbes Shire Council engaged the services of professional service company GHD to work with local producers and key stakeholders in the rural industry to develop a long-term strategy to grow agriculture in the region.

The Agriculture Strategy covers many sectors in the industry, including all livestock, dairy, hemp, forestry, horticulture and agri-tourism.

It also focuses on other challenges including land use planning, water constraints, soil health, infrastructure, freight and communications.