NEWLY sworn-in Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford has been told by a group of east Wimmera farmers that infrastructure and telecommunications reform are on top of their list of priorities for the new Victorian Government.
Ms Pulford met with farmers and Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) officials at a meeting at Brad and Carmen Bath's property at Cope Cope, south of Donald, as part of a series of meetings with industry as she settles into her portfolio.
Mr Bath said business owners in rural areas were confronted with a competitive disadvantage compared to those in cities due to poor, high cost telecommunications.
"It extends to both internet coverage and pricing and to mobile phone service, there are still a lot of black spots for coverage across the region.
Litchfield farmer Jason Mellings said improving grain freight networks would be critical.
"If we are going to see initiatives like the Mildura line standardisation, the time is now," Mr Mellings said.
"There's no doubt big trucks are doing damage to our road network and it makes sense to move more grain freight to rail."
He said it would also have the effect of lessening pressure on rural councils in terms of maintaining their massive road networks with low rate bases.
"There is a lot of pressure being put on farmers in terms of council rates, there are rate bills for growers of $30-40,000, which is a lot of money," he said.
VFF president Peter Tuohey said he was hoping to build a successful working relationship with Ms Pulford.
"There are obviously a lot of key agricultural issues beyond the State Government's control, but equally there is a lot they can do, and we want to help achieve the best outcomes for primary producers here," Mr Tuohey said.
Ms Pulford said the Victorian Government was committed to agriculture.
"I just want to make sure I am kept informed of all these issues that you have so we can work to address them," Ms Pulford said.
"There is a lot of scope for growth in Victorian agriculture and the Andrews Government wants to work to facilitate that growth.
"Trade is something that is going to be critical in opening up new markets and is something we will be watching closely."
She said the Government would be advocating for Victorian growers on a national stage.
"Even when it is not something we can directly influence, such as the Federal Government drought assistance policy, we will be in there lobbying for Victorian farmers' bests interests," she said.
Mr Tuohey nominated research and development as another critical area, while Traynors Lagoon growers and VFF district council member Colin Coates urged Ms Pulford to allocate money to agricultural education at both a tertiary and secondary school level.
Gregor Heard
National grains writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media.
National grains writer for Fairfax Agricultural Media.
