Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development backs farming communities
Country Victorians are a special focus of spending in the state’s latest Budget, writes Victoria’s new Agriculture Minister
MY family hails from the Mitta Valley in the North East of our state – the McDonalds were dairy and beef cattle farmers and the Thomases, general store keepers.
My great-grandfather was a noted horseman, but I can’t claim to have inherited that skill.
My summers were instead spent playing tennis on the concrete courts at Sandy Creek – once we’d shovelled off the cow pats.
Having grown up in a small farming community, and representing the Macedon electorate since 2014, I know that some things never change.
Like Saturdays spent at the football and netball, and pride in being self-reliant while always being ready to chip in and help others.
In other areas such as AgTech and farming practices, our understanding of climate change and the role of women in agriculture, great and welcome changes have taken place.
I’m excited about what the future holds for regional Victoria and to have been given the opportunity to work for 1.5 million Victorians as Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development.
Having led the Government’s Regional Tourism Review, I know every area of our state has its own strengths and unique experiences.
Our agricultural industry is diverse, resilient and responsive.
It is a cornerstone of the Victorian economy and will be crucial in helping us to rebuild stronger than ever.
The Andrews Government is supporting this rebuild with unprecedented investment in the future of agriculture.
Last month’s Budget delivered $115 million to modernise and grow the industry through a new agriculture strategy, to help more farmers access AgTech, diversify export markets and make farms more energy-efficient and resilient in the face of climate change.
It also includes $50 million to upgrade our agricultural colleges and education providers, to attract the next generation of farmers.
The current Budget invests more than $8 billion in regional Victoria – creating long-term jobs, building new road and rail, delivering more local schools and healthcare, and backing the projects and priorities that make country communities great.
Victoria’s agricultural industry is strong but it faces major challenges, not least the seasonal worker shortage that has been laid bare by effects of the pandemic.
Many communities are also still recovering from bushfires and dry conditions.
As a government, we will continue to put people first.
And as a minister, I will work hard for country Victorians so our beautiful and diverse regions can thrive.
● Mary-Anne Thomas is the Victorian Agriculture and Regional Development Minister
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