Limited options in buy-back scheme for Richmond Valley residents

RICHMOND Valley Council has cautiously welcomed the release of new food mapping by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC), saying the maps provide further clarity for food-affected residents who have been waiting for answers.

Council’s General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said if the maps had been available earlier, it might have saved a lot of community concern and people could have moved on sooner.

Mr Macdonald said the maps showed there was limited opportunity for people in the Richmond Valley to take advantage of the buy-back scheme, as most activity was centred on Lismore.

He said this was disappointing, as it left Richmond Valley homeowners with fewer choices to rebuild.

“The NSW Government needs to fnd better solutions for people in Coraki, Woodburn, Broadwater and Rileys Hill,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Council will continue to work with the Government to fnd solutions for our communities.”

Mr Macdonald said Council supported the Resilient Lands Strategy’s identifcation of Fairy Hill as a suitable site for housing and would be working closely with NRRC to support the investigation of this land.

He said Council presented further options to the Resilient Lands team for affordable housing on local Crown land, and it was disappointing these were not included in the strategy.

“Council has been focussing on residential supply in and around Casino for some time now as this area can accommodate the main development demand on food-free land over the next 20 years, allowing for more managed growth in our sensitive coastal and rural areas,” Mr Macdonald said.

“We will continue our discussions with NRRC and other government agencies to make sure all suitable housing options are on the table as our growth can also contribute to the region’s recovery by providing homes, jobs and a lifestyle so many already enjoy.”

Career Day Aimed At Busting Myths About Working In Agriculture

agriculture industry.

“One of the biggest challenges startups in the agritech space are facing is how to attract talent that hasn’t nec-essarily grown up in agriculture, but is passionate about its future. A contributing factor to this challenge is the belief that agriculture is old fashioned or stuck in the past,” said Olympia.

“The reality is Australian agriculture remains on the forefront of innovation in the sector and is so diverse in opportunity it can almost be diffcult to choose where to put one’s attention. Events like the Ag Industry Days are critical in showcasing the opportunities available and as always, I’m so pleased Goterra is able to support and participate.”

According to Katie Friedlieb, Senior Project Offcer at Training Services NSW, the workshop will give students insights into an industry that may not be on their radar.

“Agriculture is no longer just about the traditional farmer, and we need professionals working in the sector in an off-farm capacity,’ said Katie. “The Ag Industry Days will be an informal and interactive day for students to see the bigger picture.”

AgriFutures Australia and Training Services

NSW to host tech-savvy, socially minded Gen Zs at inaugural Ag Industry Days, a new event showcasing the diverse career opportunities in Austral-ia’s agricultural industry.

At the one-day workshops, taking place in Albury/Wodonga on 21 June and Wagga Wagga on 22 June, Year 9 and 10 school students can engage with some of the most dynamic young professionals at the forefront of innovation in agriculture. They’ll also get the opportunity to visit local businesses that are transforming the industry.

AgriFutures Australia hopes to inspire the next generation of agriculture professionals and highlight the exciting career opportunities in agriculture from biotechnicians and marine scientists to agricultural engineers and economists.

AgriFutures Australia Manager, Workforce Delivery, Abbey O’Callaghan said the workshops respond to rec-ommendations from a recent community perceptions and worker experiences report that included broadening the conversation about roles in the industry and showcasing new technology as a selling point.

“Some of the world’s biggest challenges are directly related to agriculture: food security, sustainability and cli-mate change. The Ag Industry Days will challenge perceptions of the agriculture industry and galvanise the next generation of agricultural innovators.”

“Importantly, we really want to inspire students to embrace STEM and agricultural subjects as they progress into their senior school years.”

At the Ag Industry Days, attendees will be challenged to answer the question ‘How do we rethink agriculture?’ Back in the classroom, participating students can refne their answer and submit their ‘pitch’ to AgriFutures Australia. The responses will offer AgriFutures Australia important insights into the perspectives of young peo-ple considering their career options.

Innovative food waste management company, Goterra is just one of the diverse local industry organisations who will be hosting students for feld trips during the days. Other feld trip hosts include TAFE NSW Primary Industries Centre, My Chef, Riverina Oils, CSU Global Digital Farm, Goterra, Wolki Farm and TAFE NSW National Environment Centre. Goterra CEO and 2023 ACT Australian of the Year, Olympia Yarger recognises the role events like these play in dispelling misconceptions about the