Council
8 May, 2024
Farming future on the agenda for C’mite
CORANGAMITE Shire residents are invited to meet council’s Grow Corangamite team and discuss the future of farming in the shire.
Council is preparing the ‘Grow Corangamite: Sustaining our Agriculture Future’ study to cement the shire’s position as a significant agricultural producer and food manufacturer.
Councillor Geraldine Conheady is chair of the project reference group which - along with council’s project team - has prepared a background report.
“Three community ‘drop-in’ sessions will be held so residents can discuss the project, get further information, and provide us with your thoughts on agricultural land in the shire,” she said.
“Agriculture is the biggest contributor to our local economy, generating $805 million of economic output in 2020/21, almost a third of total output.
“About two and a half thousand of our residents are employed in farming directly or in various supply, service and processing businesses. That makes farming vital for our families and communities to flourish.
“I invite everyone to come along to one of the sessions and share your ideas and experience, so we can strengthen and sustain our agricultural future. We encourage residents to read the report and contribute their thoughts at the drop-in sessions, or through council’s website.”
Manager planning and building services Aaron Moyne said the ‘Grow Corangamite: Sustaining our Agriculture Future’ project would provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical, social, and economic attributes that underpin agriculture.
“It will also identify the challenges and opportunities confronting the industry,” he said.
“This will enable council to formulate an economic development and planning framework that will support and grow agriculture into the future.
“There will be another opportunity to get involved at the completion of the Draft Strategy before it is finalised.”
The first session will be held in the Rose Room of the Terang Civic Centre at 131 High Street on Wednesday, May 15 from 4pm to 7pm.
Another two sessions will be held the next day (Thursday, May 16); a session from 10am to 1pm will be held at the Simpson Recreation Reserve at 10 Lavers Hill Road.
The second session of the day will be held at the Skipton Mechanics Institute at 43 Wright Street from 4pm to 7pm.
For more information, go to corangamite.vic.gov.au/GrowCorangamite or call strategic planner Kristen Wilkes or manager planning and building services Aaron Moyne on 5593 7100.
Read More: local