Mayor hears of farmer fears

Source: Wangaratta Chroncle - 21 Jan 09

Written by SALLY EVANS.

WANGARATTA’S rural community is breaking ground in its bid to secure a greater voice on local council.

A group of 30 farmers representing almost all facets of agricultural production in the rural city joined mayor Ron Webb and councillor Anthony Griffiths for a two-hour meeting at the Vine Hotel last Thursday.

The landmark gathering called on council to create a portfolio specifically for primary industry, and laid the foundation for improved relations between farmers and councillors in the future.

It follows growing concern of a city-centric council, with six of the seven new councillors residing in Wangaratta.

Myrrhee farmer David Evans chaired the meeting which he said should help allay the fears of rural landowners.

"If there was such an issue of them and us, then I think there was a very good feeling at the meeting that this was a big step in establishing a good liaison with council," he said.

The meeting made a number of demands of council, including the need for a primary industry portfolio in addition to existing fields such as art, education, sport and tourism.

Mr Evans said the meeting emphasised the contribution of agricultural production to employment (estimated at 10.6 per cent) and economic activity ($228 million) in the rural city.

"The feeling was that given other areas of concern to council were given a portfolio, the rural sector was important enough to warrant a separate portfolio as well," he said.

"And to ensure the portfolio holder is across the issues (pertaining to primary industry), there should be liaison between council and farmers such as the one we had on Thursday with particular involvement from that councillor.

"The feeling was that it would be great if we could keep the meetings going once or twice a year and perhaps involve other councillors as well.

"It makes people feel involved, and I think that’s important."

Cr Webb agreed to join in last Thursday’s discussions following a meet the candidates night convened by the Victorian Farmers Federation before the council elections in November.

He said the VFF event showed council candidates knew "nothing or very little" about the issues impacting on rural landowners.

"There was a need for a bigger understanding of rural issues at a council level and I don’t think I would deny that," Cr Webb said.

On the issue of a primary industry portfolio, Cr Webb was reluctant to comment before the proposal was given the blessing of fellow councillors.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to be discussed at the next council meeting in Wangaratta on Tuesday, January 27.

Local farmer requestsof council:

— a new primary industry portfolio; — retention of differential rating; — land use planning and the right to farm; — roads maintenance in rural areas; — weed control; and — reintroduction of ward system.