Media Statements - Coalition Government committed to rural communities

16/1/01

Investing in those who are dedicated to working and living in rural Western Australia to facilitate the healthy growth of rural economies and communities is a high priority of the Coalition Government, Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today.

“The WA fishing and agricultural sectors are among the most productive in the world and I believe there can be no greater investment than supporting the very people who make this State prosperous - we will continue to do just that,” Mr House said.

“The Progress Rural WA initiative has been instrumental in delivering a range of programs and services to individuals, communities and farm businesses through its six components: the WA Rural Leadership Program, Bushnet, Future Farming, New Rural Generation, Doing More with Agriculture and Community Builders.

“The success of these programs has demanded that we broaden our horizons to accommodate other areas which will directly benefit country people.”

These include:

expanding the WA Rural Leadership program to incorporate a Community Leadership Program which will support the development of existing leaders in various industry groups, community bodies and associations;

delivering a major scholarship program for young rural people to explore first hand innovative new ideas for business, community development and value adding;

increasing the commitment to develop primary producer driven and regionally based value-adding ventures in agriculture and fisheries, particularly the implementation of collaboratively owned food and fibre processing; and -

stimulating the development of farmers markets in regional and rural centres to assist with the further promotion of their product and progression of the agricultural tourism industry.

“These initiatives will also be complemented by developing regional branding which will profile premium food and wine products and experiences recognised within Australia and overseas,” Mr House said.

“This will provide a valuable tool and significant benefits to those producing and adding value to agricultural and fisheries produce.

“A rural culinary institute will be established to support the regional branding initiative.”

Mr House said there could be no greater reward than investing in the very people who will drive their industry and community to a prosperous and viable future.

Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044