In my first article as RGA Coleambally Branch President I would like to touch on the sessions held across our region in regards to the MDBA Social and Economic Assessment Panel.
You would have received an email from RGA on Thursday 26th Sept advising you that Drop-in sessions were being held in the region and providing dates. I attended the Coleambally session on the 30th October and we had approximately 40 people in attendance.
It was encouraging to have this many attend but would have been great to see many more.
I know we have all been here before but as the panel stated, they are completely independent and the difference this time in the consultation process is that it is being led by community members from all over the state and has been designed by these independent members.
The panel also stated that they plan to hold Minister Littleproud to account with the results of these findings.
We all shared a common angst with the impacts which included many varied topics but the over whelming concern is the lack of security and lack of confidence heading to the future as irrigation farmers. We need our government to make plans to ensure the long term survival of our irrigation communities and to make policy to ensure this will happen.
I encourage all those that were unable to attend these sessions to go online and complete the survey.
This survey closes on 30th October 2019. ACCESS SURVEY
It is vitally important that the panel has your input. If you do not have your say then you cannot expect anyone to listen!!!
On a lighter note I was lucky to be invited to the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards in Canberra last month.
To share this with some of the Women in the Rice Industry was an honour and amazing to see the finalist from all states and territories who are such innovative and inspiring women.
Congratulations to the winner Jo Palmer from The Rock, New South Wales. Yay!!! Jo started the business ‘Pointer Remote Roles’.
Jo believes everyone deserves to do the work they want to do regardless of their postcode. Her project involves an online platform that facilitates remote work opportunities by connecting businesses all over Australia with talented professionals living in regional, rural and remote areas.
Kay Hull the Chair of AgriFutures gave the rice industry an extra special mention, so that was great to hear.
And lastly a massive Congratulations to Rachel Kelly and Antony Vagg on the birth of their beautiful son “Angus John Vagg.”
Born 15th September 2019.
He truly is beautiful and yes maybe I am a little biased.
Denise Kelly,
President Coleambally RGA Branch