Gippsland Grain and Cereal Forage Industry
Nov 2008 - Launch of Scoping Study "An expanded grain and cereal forage industry, Gippsland"
Download Report, ‘Gippsland grain and cereal forage industry, identifying opportunities for a sustainable, productive and growing industry’ (2.3MB .pdf)
Eighty people attended the launch including representatives from the Wellington Shire, East Gippsland Shire, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, West Gippsland Catchment Authority, Regional Development Victoria, Caring for Our Country, Landcare, Gippsland Agribusiness Industry, two SFS Sponsors (Syngenta and Nufarm) and Mark McDonald, CEO SFS.
Peter Ryan, MP Member for Gippsland South and Leader of the Nationals, formally launched the project. Peter made reference to the potential of an expanded grain and cereal forage industry to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits for Gippsland and Victoria. Peter also commended Southern Farming Systems for initiating the project.
At the launch, Andrew Debenham presented the report and responded to questions from the floor. Mr. Darren Chester MP, Member for Gippsland, reinforced Peter’s comments noting that DAFF had funded the project and intimating his willingness to assist the industry to move forward.
Mr. Craig Ingram MP, Member for Gippsland East, then explored some of the challenges of climate change and the implications for farmers on the ground. Craig also intimated his willingness to support the expansion of the grain and cereal forage industry in Gippsland.
Presentations were made to those who had been instrumental in developing the project and carrying it to completion.
1. Mr Chris Bluett, DPI Ballarat
Chris drafted the original brief, was a member of the Steering committee and assisted with funding through DPI.
2. Dr Julianne Sargant, DPI Bairnsdale
Julianne was responsible for the original submission, as a member of the Steering Committee and is the DPI representative on the Gippsland Branch Committee of management.
3. Bronwyn and Andrew Debenham
The commitment Bronwyn and Andrew brought to the
project was also acknowledged.
Mr. Tim Wills Regional Development Victoria concluded the formal part of the evening with a ‘toast’ to ‘an expansion of the grain and cereal industry in Gippsland’. SFS members concluded the evening with a Dinner and forward planning for 2009.
SFS would like to thank the steering committee: Gary Condron, Trevor Caithness, Ben Morris, Alan Paulet, Rowan Paulet, Ian Bayley, Julianne Sargant, Chris Bluett and Michael Bannon.
Further information:
Rose Maher
SFS Gippsland Branch Coordinator
P: 03 5149 8379
E: rmaher@active8.net.au
