Prize Valued at $500 for Survey Response - Transport and Intermodal Study

Council is calling on a broad range of people within the local agriculture industry including broad acre farmers, irrigators, logistics (road and rail), grain and cotton traders and handlers, cotton gins and horticulturalists to provide their thoughts and opinions on what the Moree Plains agricultural production and logistics might look like in 20 years.

The respondent’s comments will feed into the Moree Plains shire-wide Transport and Intermodal Study which is reviewing the integration of various modes of transport in the supply and logistics chains, business management, coordination and services, and the development of intermodal interface and infrastructure.

Yesterday, the first round of the survey was issued, with the second round being issued next Wednesday 9 May 2018. The survey can be found HERE

Study Director, Angus Witherby acknowledged that the timing of the survey is not ideal, knowing that many people in the agricultural community are busy picking cotton or planting winter crops, however the input from local industry operators is essential in ensuring planning represents local projections for production and logistics.

“I appreciate the short timeframe makes it difficult for some people to respond but we only have until the end of the month to complete the technical studies as prescribed by the funding program, so I hope you will be able to spare 15 minutes of your time,” he said.

“As a bit of sweetener for your efforts, one lucky winner will be drawn at random from those who complete the survey to win a $500 year-long family membership at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, or a local restaurant voucher to the same value at a local dining establishment.”

“At the end of the day, this work will benefit the local agricultural communities in Moree Plains and surrounds,” Mr Witherby said.

The survey has two rounds, with results from the first round being fed back to all respondents, so people can decide to either maintain their existing view or change it. This is a specialised process is called the Delphi Method, and helps gain and focus the views of a group. Respondents can be assured that all answers provided will be kept in the strictest confidence.

The winner’s name will be announced on Friday 1 June 2018.

The Transport and Intermodal Study is being funded by the Federal Government’s Murray Darling Basin Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program, with the money being administered by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. Council is also contributing both cash and in-kind professional support. The total project is valued at $425,000.

For queries regarding the survey, Council's Planning and Community Development Director, and Transport Study Director Mr Angus Witherby can be contacted (02) 6757 3250.