Kiama’s Community Strategy “Your Say Your Voice”. A Movement to Promote a Collective Approach to Agritourism 🌾

In the Kiama region there is a movement afoot to harness the collective wisdom of its residents. As we look towards sectors like public administration, safety, and professional services for growth, the expertise within our community could be the key to unlocking a prosperous future. But there’s a challenge: the complexity of policy-making often leaves many feeling out of the loop.

Breaking Down Barriers 🚧

The world of policy development is riddled with technical terms and acronyms, making it daunting for the average person to have their say. When it comes to agritourism, for example, the list of needed experts is extensive. This can create a divide, where decisions are made by a few who ‘speak the language’, potentially leaving behind those affected by these decisions.

Simplifying the Dialogue 💬

To bridge this gap, we need to simplify the conversation. Community engagement experts must become translators of complex concepts, making them accessible to all. They should help demystify the process, turning industry speak into everyday language that resonates with the community.

Empowering Every Voice 📢

By making the dialogue more accessible, we empower every resident to contribute to shaping the policies that will affect their lives. The true success of a policy isn’t just in its economic impact but also in how well it’s understood and embraced by the community.

The Path Ahead 🛤️

The development of agritourism in Kiama should be a communal table, where everyone is invited to sit, understand, and shape the future of their home. It’s about creating a legacy of prosperity and well-being for future generations. Let’s ensure that the wisdom within our community isn’t lost in translation but is instead used to fuel the region’s growth and innovation.

Join the Conversation! 🗣️

Kiama Council’s Community Engagement Strategy “Your Community, Your Say” invites all residents and stakeholders to engage, participate, and contribute towards shaping a future rich in opportunity and community spirit. The path ahead is one of collaboration, innovation, and shared success, guided by the wisdom of our community and fuelled by the promise of our emerging sectors.

#KiamaGrowth #CommunityEngagement #Agritourism #PolicyMaking #InclusiveDialogue

Embracing the Green Horizon can Kiama reverse the trend from Lifestyle Blocks to Sustainable Growth

In the heart of New South Wales, where the sea kisses the lush greenery and valleys cradle dairy cows, Kiama stands as a testament to natural beauty and community spirit. Yet, beneath its picturesque surface, Kiama finds itself at a crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between preserving its idyllic landscapes and accommodating the inevitable tide of growth and development. 🌿🌊

The Shift Towards Sustainability

Kiama, renowned for its open farmland, rainforests, and coastal charm, has witnessed a significant transformation. The allure of rural living, combined with its proximity to Sydney and Wollongong, has propelled a shift towards lifestyle-oriented rural landownership, casting a shadow over the agricultural sector’s vitality. A 2006 study revealed a startling trend, more than 62% of rural lots, were used for rural residential purposes, sidelining dairying and extensive agriculture. 🏡🍃

The Value of Agricultural Land

Despite these changes, Kiama’s agricultural heart continues to beat strong, with dairy farms, occupying a mere 26% of rural land, contributing a staggering 75% of the region’s agricultural income. This statistic not only highlights the efficiency of dairy farming but also underscores the potential lying dormant in the remaining agricultural land. The question then arises: how much of our rural land truly qualifies as “productive prime agricultural land”? The answer, it seems, is not much. 🐄💼

A Call for Community Engagement and Policy Reform

As Kiama teeters on the edge of transformation, the need for a cohesive strategy that embraces sustainable development while honouring our agricultural heritage has never been more pressing. The majority of rural lifestyle landowners (91%), as per a 2009 University of Wollongong survey, reported making little to no income from their land, pointing to an underutilisation of resources and a potential disconnect from the agricultural sector’s benefits. 🤝💡

Kiama’s Green Horizon

The path forward for Kiama is paved with opportunity. By reimagining development as a chance to enhance, rather than detract from, our region’s character, we can foster a model of growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and reflective of our community’s aspirations. The vision is clear: to transform Kiama into a beacon of sustainable living, where development harmonises with the environment, and community bonds are strengthened through active engagement and shared goals. 🌟🌱

As we chart this course towards a sustainable future, the involvement of every stakeholder – from local councils and land developers to the very heart of our community – is crucial. Together, we can ensure that Kiama’s development not only meets the needs of its growing population but also preserves the unique charm and natural beauty that we all cherish. Let’s embrace this green horizon, for in the unity of purpose lies the key to our shared prosperity and legacy. 🌍❤️

#SustainableKiama #GreenHorizon #CommunityEngagement #AgriculturalHeritage #KiamaLiving #RuralSustainability #FutureGrowth #EcoFriendlyDevelopment #KiamaNSW #ProtectOurLands

Source of statistics

Kiama Municipal Council economic profile

2015 Gill et al Same but different: sources of natural resource management advice for Same but different: sources of natural resource management advice for lifestyle oriented rural landholders lifestyle oriented rural landholders

Engaging with Local Communities: A Cornerstone for Successful Development

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban and rural development, the importance of active engagement between local councils, land developers, and the local community cannot be overstated. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of belonging and ownership among residents but also ensures that development projects are sustainable, inclusive, and reflective of the community’s needs and aspirations.

Why Engagement Matters

Understanding Community Needs: Each community has its unique set of values, needs, and concerns. By engaging with the community, councils and developers can gain invaluable insights into these aspects, which can guide the planning and implementation of projects. This understanding helps in creating spaces that are not only functional but also enrich the lives of the community members.
Building Trust and Transparency: Historically, development projects have sometimes been met with scepticism and resistance due to a lack of transparency or the feeling that decisions are made without community input. Active engagement builds trust between the developers, councils, and the community by opening lines of communication and making the process more transparent.
Mitigating Conflicts: By involving the community early in the planning process, potential conflicts can be identified and addressed before they escalate. This proactive approach saves time, resources, and fosters a more harmonious relationship between all parties involved.
Enhancing Project Success and Sustainability: Projects developed with community input are more likely to meet the actual needs of the residents, leading to higher satisfaction and better utilization of the resources. Moreover, when the community feels a sense of ownership over the developments, they are more likely to contribute to the maintenance and sustainability of the projects.

Strategies for Effective Engagement

Open Forums and Workshops: Hosting regular meetings where community members can voice their opinions, suggestions, and concerns is a fundamental strategy. These forums encourage dialogue and allow developers to explain their visions, plans, and the benefits of the projects.
Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing surveys and other feedback mechanisms helps gather a broad range of opinions and identifies common themes and concerns that might not be evident in public meetings.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Involving community representatives in the decision-making process ensures that the community’s voice is not only heard but also has a tangible impact on the outcomes.
Regular Updates and Transparency: Keeping the community informed about the progress, challenges, and changes to the plans helps maintain trust and manages expectations.

The engagement between local councils, developers, and the community is not a one-time activity but a continuous process that should evolve throughout the lifecycle of a development project. It is a cornerstone for building vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities that reflect the desires and needs of their inhabitants. In today’s world, where community identity and cohesion are more important than ever, adopting a collaborative approach to development is not just beneficial—it’s essential. By working together, we can create spaces that not only meet our physical needs but also enrich our lives and those of future generations.

#CommunityEngagement #SustainableDevelopment #InclusivePlanning

#UrbanRuralDevelopment #LocalCouncils #LandDevelopment #BuildingTrust

#CommunityNeeds #CollaborativeApproach #TransparentProcess

Grazing Amidst Urban Expansion Finding The Sweet Spot 🏙️🌾

As urban boundaries stretch and twist, let’s not forget the green fields and the mindful practices that sustain them. Here’s to a future where growth and green can coexist, beautifully. 🏙️💚🌾

In the shadow of rapid urban expansion, the distinction between prime agricultural land and productive prime agricultural land has never been more crucial. As our countryside skirts ever closer to the bustling edges of expanding cities, the importance of utilising every inch of agricultural space wisely and sustainably cannot be overstated. Today, more than ever, the practices we adopt on these precious plots of land can ripple through our ecosystems, economies, and communities. 🌍💡

In the context of farming, the term “productive” specifically refers to land or farming practices that not only support the growth and health of crops or livestock but crucially have the ability to generate a positive return on investment (ROI), ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of the agricultural operation.

Why Timing is Everything in Grazing 🕒🌾

Amidst the push and pull of urban development, the practice of grazing dairy cows at the optimal stage of grass growth emerges not just as good farming but as a necessity for maintaining the delicate balance between productivity and sustainability. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of getting this timing just right:

Optimal Nutrition for Peak Performance 🍽️💪

In areas squeezed by urban pressures, making the most of available pastureland means grazing our cows on young, nutrient-rich grass. This ensures they’re getting a diet packed with the energy and protein needed for top-notch milk production, a critical factor when land is at a premium.

Digestive Health and Happiness 😊🐄

The health of our dairy cows is paramount, and grazing at the right moment promotes efficient digestion and nutrient uptake, vital for the well-being of the herd and the quality of milk produced. Healthy cows in healthy pastures are the bedrock of productive dairy farming.

Sustainable Pastures, Sustainable Future 🌍💚

As urban areas encroach on agricultural land, the importance of sustainable pasture management becomes magnified. By practicing rotational grazing and ensuring cows graze at the ideal growth stages, we’re not only optimising milk production but also contributing to soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. In the face of urban expansion, these practices are vital for environmental stewardship. #SustainableFarming

Economic Efficiency: More Moo for Your Buck 💷🐮

In the context of diminishing agricultural space, efficiency is key. By maximising the productivity of each pasture through precise grazing management, dairy farmers can navigate the challenges posed by urban sprawl, ensuring a profitable operation that thrives on quality, not just quantity. #EfficiencyIsKey

The Practice of Precision Grazing 📏🌱

Precision grazing stands as a beacon for dairy farms encircled by urban growth. It allows for meticulous management of grazing schedules, ensuring that cows feed on grass at its nutritional peak. This method is essential for sustaining an endless cycle of growth and regrowth, vital for farms fighting for space and relevance against the tide of development. 🔄🌿

The Takeaway: Grazing Gold 🏆🌾

As we navigate the complexities of farming in the age of urban expansion, the role of targeted grazing practices becomes not just beneficial but imperative. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of modern dairy farming—a commitment to excellence in the face of encroaching urban landscapes. So, let’s raise a glass to the farmers who make it possible for us to enjoy high-quality dairy, all while stewarding the land with care and foresight. 🥛❤️

Remember, in the ballet of progress and preservation, every step, every graze, counts. It’s not just about sustaining; it’s about thriving. #DairyFarming #GrazingGold #UrbanExpansion

As urban boundaries stretch and twist, let’s not forget the green fields and the mindful practices that sustain them. Here’s to a future where growth and green can coexist, beautifully. 🏙️💚🌾

Balancing Wants, Needs, and Wish Lists. The Housing Dilemma and The Great Australian Dream

Our local community is abuzz with conversations around development – we love our green spaces. Everybody needs a Bernard Salt and I phoned a friend to help with this blog post. See footnote

Introduction

Australia’s housing market is like a bustling marketplace, with buyers, sellers, and renters all vying for their piece of the property pie. But as our population grows, so do the challenges. Let’s dive into the housing dilemma and explore what Australians want, need, and dream of when it comes to their homes.

The Great Australian Dream

Wants: A Place to Call Our Own

Ah, the iconic white picket fence! For many Aussies, owning a home is the ultimate dream. We want stability, security, and a patch of land to call ours. A backyard for barbecues, a garage for the car, and a veggie patch for those homegrown tomatoes—these are the wants that make a house feel like a home.

Needs: Affordability and Accessibility

But dreams meet reality, and affordability is a pressing need. Rising property prices have made the great Australian dream seem elusive. We need housing that doesn’t break the bank—a fair go for first-time buyers and families alike. And let’s not forget accessibility—homes close to work, schools, and amenities.

The Urban Conundrum

Wants: City Lights and Convenience

Urban dwellers crave the buzz of city life. We want cafes, theatres, and a thriving social scene at our doorstep. High-rise apartments with skyline views? Yes, please! We want to be where the action is, sipping lattes and catching the latest indie film.

Needs: Space and Greenery

But cities can be relentless. We need green spaces—parks, community gardens, and tree-lined streets. A balcony for pot plants or a communal rooftop garden can work wonders. And space! Not just for us but for our kids to play and our dogs to chase their tails.

The Regional Escape

Wants: Tranquillity and Fresh Air

Regional areas beckon with promises of tranquillity. We want wide-open spaces, clean air, and star-studded skies. A cottage by the river or a farmhouse with a wraparound veranda—these are the stuff of dreams. We want to escape the hustle and bustle, trading traffic jams for sunsets over rolling hills.

Needs: Infrastructure and Connectivity

But needs follow us wherever we go. Regional living requires infrastructure—good roads, schools, and healthcare. We need reliable internet (because streaming Netflix is non-negotiable). And let’s not forget connectivity—trains, buses, and highways that link us to the wider world.

The Wish Lists

Wants: Solar Panels and Smart Homes

Our wish lists are brimming! Solar panels to save the planet and cut energy bills. Smart homes that respond to our voice commands. A bathtub with a view (because why not?). And secret passages (okay, maybe that’s just me).

Needs: Affordability and Sustainability

But practical wishes matter too. Affordable mortgages, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient designs. We need homes that adapt to changing needs—a nursery today, a home office tomorrow.

Conclusion

The housing dilemma isn’t black and white. It’s a kaleidoscope of wants, needs, and wishes. As our population grows, we must find creative solutions. A national housing policy, smart urban planning, and community engagement—all play a part. So, whether you’re chasing the great Australian dream or seeking a tree change, it goes without saying home is where the heart is.

What’s on your housing wish list? Share your thoughts below!

Sources:

#sustainableliving #urbanplanning #affordablehousing #communityengagement #greenliving #homeownership #dreamhome #housingdilemma #citylife #ruralretreat #sustainablehomes #housingneeds #propertymarket #homebuying #housingdensity #farmlandpreservation #smartdevelopment #housingwishlist

Footnote:

If you are curious about why I have so many friends I can call on to write blogs out of my area of expertise.

I have an excellent team of experts because I am currently writing a curriculum for Stages 2 and 3 students to help teachers use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to embed sustainability into the school curriculum and every blog post has the potential to value add. 💪💪💪

This blog post touches upon several SDGs outlined by the United Nations. Let’s explore how it aligns with these global objectives:

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:
- The post discusses urbanisation, housing density, and the challenges faced by growing populations in cities and regional areas.
- It highlights the need for smart urban planning, infrastructure, and community engagement to create sustainable cities.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production:
- The focus on affordability, sustainability, and energy-efficient designs reflects SDG 12.
- The wish lists for solar panels, smart homes, and ethical fashion tie into responsible consumption.
SDG 15: Life on Land:
- The concern about loss of green spaces and agricultural land connects to SDG 15.
- The post emphasises the importance of preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals:
- The call for community engagement, transparency, and collaboration aligns with SDG 17.
- It encourages collective efforts to achieve sustainable development.

This blog post contributes to raising awareness about sustainable living, environmental responsibility, and the interconnectedness of our choices with global goals.

Sources:

Remembering those who came before us – Part 3

Continuing the stories of my family treasures.

This one is a real treasure ( both of monetary and sentimental value ) and hence is stored in a safety deposit box to be given to next gen who will value it

As mentioned in Remembering those who came before us – Part 2 Eric Lindsay and his brothers were very impressive footballers and tennis players

Way back in the early 20th century when you won a premiership you got “real” gold medals

Charlie Lindsay played 1st Grade football for Port Kembla and they must have won the comp in 1922

Eric Lindsay and Charlie Lindsay played 1st Grade football for Dapto and they must have won the premiership in 1919

In 1906 Eric Lindsay won the Junior Tennis Championship and again his win was celebrated with “real” gold

and they all came with this beautiful “real” gold fob chain

I decided to keep up the family tradition and had my son’s national ski championship awards replicated in gold and added to the family history fob chain. I am confident the next gen will value them as much as me.

Whilst it is sad they are kept locked away, I would be devasted if I wore the fob chain and lost them and just having the capacity to share their story gives me great joy

See Part One and Part Two of this series

Young people are rising to the challenge and making biodiversity a top priority

Read the stories here

Its biodiversity month. I think it might be a very good idea if we make it biodiversity decade as I am VERY embarrassed to say Australians can lay claim to being the worst global environmental vandals in the last 200 years. Read all the bad news here and see the statistics here

Australia has experienced the largest documented decline in biodiversity of any continent over the past 200 years. Under the EPBC Act, more than 50 species of Australian animals have been listed as extinct, including 27 mammal species, 23 bird species, and 4 frog species. The number of known extinct Australian plants is 48. Australia’s rate of species decline continues to be among the world’s highest, and is the highest in the OECD Environmental Performance Index

Recent natural disasters including drought, the bushfire crisis and flooding have further damaged this continent’s fragile biodiversity.

I am super excited to share with you, young Australians everywhere are taking joint action on this travesty. Picture You in Agriculture, our supporting partners and our Young Farming Champions are currently working with thirty three schools from Cairns to Launceston participating in The Archibull Prize and Kreative Koalas who are designing and delivering Sustainability Action Projects that will signpost to everyone that we understand this

The river is like our refrigerator that keeps fresh the meat. The forest is like our drug store that has our medicines. It is like a supermarket with all of the food and things we need. Why would we poison our water or clear the forest? Paiakan, a Kayapo Indian, Quoted in Knudtson and Suzuki, Wisdom of the Elders, 1992

Australian farms have an important role to play in improving and protecting biodiverse ecosystems and its pivotal the sector strike that delicate balance of improving environmental outcomes while concurrently remaining profitable and increasing climate resilience to meet growing demand. You can learn more about what farmers and the agriculture sector are planning here

There are simple things we can all do and its starts with awareness.

Lets talk about it more. For example

Its biodiversity month and our surveys have show over 50% of Australians have heard of the term but aren’t sure what it means.
I have been working in this space for 15 years and I had no idea that our track record over the last 200 was so abysmal so lets talk about it more.

2. We can stop squabbling about it. We can say NO to it being used as a political football. Its not a left and right wing issue. Caring for the environment means you care about a massive part of what makes Australia unique and it makes economic sense. Smart people protect their waterways and nurture the landscape that feeds us

The National Party environmental vandals were also happy to keep the message simple. In NP terms, protecting the environment means Left wing radical greenies running the country, losing your jobs and being forced to give up your ute. Source

The Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Streamlining Environmental Approvals) Bill 2020 is environmental vandalism in the extreme. It completely ignores Professor Graeme Samuel AC’s interim recommendations to accompany changes to the Act with stringent national standards and an independent regulator. And it hands decision-making to state and territory governments who have shown time and time again to be conflicted and incapable of protecting the environment. Source

3. And we can all show leadership. Does leadership get any better than this?

Fun Fact: Did you know the our very own Daintree Forest is listed as the most biodiverse place in the world

#GlobalGoals #Sustainability #SDGs #BtheChange #Changemakers #KreativeKoalaKids #ArchieAction

Great leaders inspire others to raise their own bar

Its almost two months since I put fingers to the keyboard for my personal blog. To be honest I have been embarrassed by the discourse between farmers and farmers on social media. I also see a lack of leadership by industry in encouraging respectful conversations between farmers and the community and it saddens me.

‘Great leaders inspire others to raise their own bar.’

This post is a special shout out to the team at Bulla Burra for continuously showing great leadership. You can see the full post on Facebook here

Bulla Burra.JPG

Last week I had the pleasure, courtesy of Wingecarribee Shire Council of being on the panel post the showing of the 2040 Film. The film has some confronting things to say about some of our current agricultural systems. Its also uses very inclusive language to invite everyone to work together and use the film as a launch pad for bold visions

This will require respectful conversations between everyone – thank you Bulla Burra for showing us how it is done.

John concludes his letter by saying

The main point of this letter is to say that agriculture is a professional, thriving industry – but we are not very good at talking about it. We tend to live in our own little farming bubble and talk and whinge amongst ourselves. We get frustrated when we see something on “Sunrise” or “The Project” which affects us, and we go off half cocked on FB or Twitter – mainly to people within our own industry. And when we do get to talk to you we are usually being reactive or do a poor job of articulating our argument. We are sorry about that.

From our perspective we also need to do a far better job of listening. You rightly have questions and concerns about what we do, as the results of our efforts ends up feeding and clothing your families. How can you not be rattled by what you see on social media about GMO’s and Roundup, especially if we don’t have meaningful conversations with you about what we do and why. Of course those of you who love animals will be furious (as we are) when you see examples of animal cruelty. And yes, the whole idea of climate change is scary for us all.

Make no mistake, farmers are some of the most intelligent, educated, climatically aware, hardworking people on the planet – and focused on developing new, innovative and environmentally sustainable ways to continue to feed, clothe and fuel us all. As farmers, we don’t always get to have meaningful conversations with people outside of own agricultural bubble, so please feel free to pass this letter on to your friends both within and outside of ag. It is only by listening to each other that we create understanding, empathy and stronger communities.

With respect
John

Believe in yourself.jpg

Success is a journey and the Pygmalion Effect is a powerful motivator

#StrongerTogether

Australian Farmers can supply us (and the world) with so much more than food and fibre

With 21st Century thinking and smart government policy there are many new and exciting opportunities for Australian farmers to thrive in a world of big data, a community screaming out for clean energy options and developing countries with a burning thirst to soak up our knowledge as well as our produce.

A number of our Young Farming Champions work with, share their knowledge and learn from farmers in developing countries. A number of them have taken advantage of the Crawford Fund scholarship support to engage in international research, development and education for the benefit of developing countries and Australia.

Young Farming Champion Sam Coggins has just landed a job with ACIAR and this article by Professor Andrew Campbell CEO of ACIAR is a great opportunity to share the work they do and the exciting opportunities for Sam in his chosen career in the Australian agriculture sector .

Sam Coggins taking his knowledge and passion for the Australian agriculture sector to the world

Agricultural aid is in Australian farmers’ interests

Andrew Campbell, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research considers the pragmatic reasons why well-targeted aid, especially in agriculture, is in the long-term best interests of Australian farmers and rural communities.

Why should Australian farmers support overseas aid?

Especially agricultural aid – doesn’t that just give a leg-up to our competitors?

Well, no.

Leaving aside moral arguments that overseas development aid is ‘the right thing to do’ for wealthy nations like Australia, there are also pragmatic reasons why well-targeted aid, especially in agriculture, is in the long-term best interests of Australian farmers and rural communities.

Specific examples of benefits from aid flowing back to Australia described below all stem from the direct experience of ACIAR – the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

ACIAR was established by the Fraser government in 1982, out of a recognition that Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry science has much to offer developing countries in our region as they seek to feed their people and develop their economies.

ACIAR is an independent statutory authority in the foreign affairs portfolio, reporting directly to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I am just the sixth CEO of ACIAR in 36 years. We have enjoyed remarkable stability over that time, enabling us to build very solid long-term partnerships from east Africa to the Pacific, developing many projects that have delivered benefits back to Australian rural industries and communities.

Last week, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop launched our new 10-year strategy.

In many ways ACIAR is similar to Rural R&D Corporations, in that we organise and fund research, but our focus is overseas, taking Australian science to developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and we work across livestock, crops, horticulture, fisheries, forestry, land, water and climate.

Australian farmers and rural communities benefit from the work of ACIAR in several ways:

At the most basic level, as an exporting country, we do better when the countries in our region can afford to buy our products. As economies develop and people get richer, they consume more meat, dairy, fruit, processed cereals, sugar, wine and wool, and they demand higher quality food.
Australian scientists working on pests and diseases in developing countries can help to manage risks and limit the spread of major problems before they reach Australia. In doing so, they also get opportunities to work on problems that thankfully don’t (yet) exist in Australia, enabling them to build skills in detection, diagnosis and control of exotic diseases. This has proven of crucial value for Australia, for example with Panama Disease in bananas, and Newcastle Disease in poultry.
ACIAR investment in collaborative breeding programs gives Australian industries access to new varieties. For example, seven new citrus rootstocks were recently released into the Australian market, developed from disease-resistant and salt-tolerant Chinese cultivars through a collaboration with NSW DPI funded by ACIAR. Germplasm used by Australian wheat breeders to release high performance varieties to Australian growers draws heavily on material from CIMMYT – the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in Mexico – funded by ACIAR and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
ACIAR-funded fruit fly research directly helped mango farms in North Queensland, when exports to Japan were withdrawn in 1995 due to fruit fly incursions. The Queensland DPI was able to develop postharvest treatment protocols for Australian mangoes much faster because of their work for ACIAR in Malaysia, resulting in approval to restart exports at least six months sooner than would have been possible otherwise.
ACIAR often supports Australian researchers to work with partners in neighbouring countries to tackle a shared challenge. The strength of our innovation system leads to new technologies being trialled and adopted first here. Research on growing tropical tree crops, such as mango, jackfruit and cocoa, on trellises for greater productivity and cyclone resistance, led by Queensland DAF with support from Horticulture Innovation Australia and ACIAR, is now offering trellising as a potentially transformative technology to Queensland growers. Research to tackle productivity problems associated with plant viruses in sweetpotato crops in PNG, has led to virus therapy techniques and virus-free planting material being adopted as the foundation for a more productive sweetpotato industry in Australia. Techniques developed by Prof Peter Harrison from Southern Cross University to restore degraded fringing coral reefs in the Philippines (by stocking hatchery-reared coral larvae at the time of larval settlement into enclosures over the reef) are now being trialled on the Great Barrier Reef.
ACIAR is an important source of applied research funding for regional universities and state departments of primary industries, with major flow-on benefits for regional centres like Wagga, Armidale, Orange, Lismore, Toowoomba, Gatton, Roseworthy, Mildura, Yanco, Townsville, Hobart, Darwin and Maroochydore.

While I have great admiration for agricultural economists, benefit:cost ratios tell only a fraction of the story of why investing in agricultural aid in our region makes good business sense for Australia.

Andrew Campbell, CEO, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

All over the world, evidence over the decades since World War 1 has shown that investment in agricultural research delivers great returns, within and between nations. ACIAR has a fine tradition of measuring and tracking the impact of our investments. Some projects deliver exceptional benefit to cost ratios. For example, clonal improvement of eucalypt and acacia plantation genotypes in Vietnam delivered returns of around 80:1, and vaccination of village chickens in east Africa delivered returns of around 60:1.

Perceptions that our aid helps competitors to out-compete our own exporters don’t hold up under closer examination. Smallholder producers in developing countries rarely compete in the same high-value markets as Australian exporters. The gap in most instances remains very large, and reducing it somewhat usually creates opportunities for Australian industries.

For example, Indonesia wants to become self-sufficient in beef, and ACIAR is funding the University of New England, CSIRO and the University of Queensland to help lift beef productivity and production in eastern Indonesia in particular. But beef self-sufficiency for Indonesia remains a very long way down the track. In the meantime, they will need many breeding cattle from Australia and multiple linkages with the northern beef industry in particular. Building these links will help Australian exporters and producers.

Mangos are another example. Market studies around the Asia-Pacific, led by Griffith University in collaboration with the Australian Mango Industry Association, with input from state and territory DPIs and support from ACIAR, have shown how mango markets are differentiated by seasonal time slots and price points, local market preferences and varietal characteristics. Innovations in pest and disease management, flower induction and post-harvest handling can bring benefits to the mango industry in Australia and in partner countries.

Overall, over the last 36 years, using very conservative assumptions and only counting the benefits that can be quantified and costed, the ACIAR portfolio has delivered benefits at least five times greater than our total expenditure. Many benefits from more recent projects are yet to be fully realised.

While I have great admiration for agricultural economists, benefit:cost ratios tell only a fraction of the story of why investing in agricultural aid in our region makes good business sense for Australia.

Being a trusted science partner across our region, helping neighbouring countries to tackle some of their most pressing problems using Australian know-how, is a very tangible, practical demonstration of our commitment to regional security, prosperity and sustainability. In doing so, we learn a lot and we develop new capabilities that help our own industries, and in the long term we create more and better market opportunities for Australian farmers.

In short, the 2.5% of the Australian overseas aid budget managed by ACIAR delivers terrific value for Australian farmers, rural industries and rural communities.

Andrew Campbell is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

Mental health – making hope the cornerstone of life

I live in a very beautiful part of the world on a farm on the side of a mountain with rich volcanic soil and an average rainfall of 2000 mm. Yes that’s almost 80 inches of rain per year. With Australia experiencing the driest and warmest winter in 15 years we haven’t had “real’ rain here for months. We are in the midst of a green drought as the highly moisture stressed ryegrass does its best to hang on and provide the cows with the rich energy source that sustains them and the milk they produce.

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My little piece of paradise hasn’t looked like this for quite a while

Rural Australian life is very rewarding in many ways, however, farming has many challenges including the long term impacts of climate change and extreme weather events and can be a stressful occupation.

Mental health and maintaining optimism in the face of adversity is very close to my heart

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller

I believe through The Archibull Prize we are selling hope to young people. Putting them at the centre of the learning experience . Using farmers as examples of dealing with the daily challenges of providing quality food and fibre and Young Farming Champions as leaders in creating the change we want to see.

Helping young people make ‘hope’ a cornerstone in their lives is the driving force behind The Cottage Mental Health program

Archie at the Cottage

The Cottage helps about forty, 12 to 18-year-olds experiencing a mental health condition every year. Days are split between schooling and therapy, with counselling, rehabilitation, creative arts sessions, education and individual clinical management on offer to help students achieve their recovery goals. Source

Well done to all the business who have come together to make The Cottage a true story

of hope

“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.” Robert Schuller

If you know some-one who is struggling with stress an excellent resource can be found here