Drop-in sessions to help grow agricultural future

Published on 01 May 2024

Corangamite residents are invited to meet Council’s Grow Corangamite team and discuss the future of farming in the Shire.

Council is preparing the ‘Grow Corangamite: Sustaining our Agriculture Future’ study to cement the Shire’s position as a significant agricultural producer and food manufacturer.

Cr Geraldine Conheady is Chair of the Project Reference Group which—along with Council’s project team—has prepared a background report.

“Three community ‘drop-in’ sessions will be held so residents can discuss the project, get further information, and provide us with your thoughts on agricultural land in the Shire,” Cr Conheady said.

“Agriculture is the biggest contributor to our local economy, generating $805 million of economic output in 2020/21, almost a third of total output. About two and a half thousand of our residents are employed in farming directly or in various supply, service and processing businesses. That makes farming vital for our families and communities to flourish.

“I invite everyone to come along to one of the sessions and share your ideas and experience so we can strengthen and sustain our agricultural future. We encourage residents to read the report and contribute their thoughts at the drop-in sessions, or through Council’s website.

Manager Planning and Building Services Aaron Moyne said the Grow Corangamite: Sustaining our Agriculture Future project would provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical, social, and economic attributes that underpin agriculture.

“It will also identify the challenges and opportunities confronting the industry,” he said.

“This will enable Council to formulate an economic development and planning framework that will support and grow agriculture into the future. There will be another opportunity to get involved at the completion of the Draft Strategy before it is finalised.”

Where and when

For more information, click here or call Strategic Planner Kristen Wilkes or Manager Planning and Building Services Aaron Moyne on 5593 7100.