The NSW Government is one step closer to engaging an independent NSW Agriculture Commissioner with tenders now open for a skilled and experienced professional to provide expert advice on strategic agricultural land use that will create a more sustainable and productive agricultural industry in NSW.
An independent Agriculture Commissioner was an election commitment of Labor. With numerous experienced farming leaders in the New England it is possible that the new Agriculture Commissioner could be one of our own.
The Commissioner will chair a pilot Farm Practices Panel, testing an alternative approach to provide guidance on acceptable farm practices through review of an agricultural industry code of practice, to assist in providing clarity and consistency for planning decisions and mitigating land use conflict.
The Commissioner will also provide advice to NSW Primary Industries (DPI) concerning agricultural land use, and work across government on its strategic approach to balancing competing policy objectives for agricultural and rural land use planning.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said an independent Agriculture Commissioner will provide expert and independent advice directly to Government on issues relating to agricultural land use.
“Balancing and prioritising competing policy objectives and demands for land use is complex and will need to be carefully considered.
“There are a number of challenges, including increasing competition for rural land from population growth and demand for housing, demands from industrial and service providers, energy production, increased investment within the agricultural sector and a need to improve carbon and biodiversity outcomes.
“Our primary producers need clarity about how these emerging issues will impact them.
“It is our job to develop strategies that will support strong primary production whilst balancing other competing land use priorities for the benefit of the economy, environment and communities to inform strategic planning decisions and support a more sustainable and productive agriculture industry.
“I invite those with extensive high-level professional and technical expertise in agricultural land use conflict issues to respond to the tender.”
The independent Agriculture Commissioner will be engaged for a term of three years.
The NSW Government is committed to accommodating a range of land use priorities that support primary producers and regional communities while improving sustainability and economic growth in NSW.
To submit a tender, visit the NSW Gov eTendering platform before 10.00am AEST on Monday, 29 January 2024.
For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/lup/nsw-agriculture-commissioner
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